The future of the embattled Thai-Cambodian relationship now depends on Cambodia, as Thailand’s stance is clear: we want to pursue peace, said Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow today.
However, he said he did not see any progress from the Cambodian side.
Sihasak was speaking in Parliament on the first day of Anutin Charnvirakul’s delivery of his policy statement.
“Thailand has not closed the door to dialogue. There are two options. One leads to increased conflict and loss and the other, through sincere dialogue, ensures safety and peace,” he said.
Anutin and his government have four months to govern the country, a condition set by the opposition People’s party, in exchange for its MPs’ support for Anutin’s nomination for the premiership earlier this month. With this support, Anutin defeated Pheu Thai’s candidate, Chaikasem Nitisiri.
When asked if the conflicts could be settled bilaterally, Sihasak said they should be addressed within a bilateral framework.
There is no need to take the issue to the international stage but, if it is, using distorted and one-sided facts, it will not help resolve the situation, he said
Sihasak, a former permanent secretary for foreign affairs, delivered a statement at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Sunday, accusing Cambodia of portraying itself as the victim and distorting facts in the ongoing border dispute.
Sihasak told to UN members that Cambodia has made a mockery of the truth, adding that he was compelled to rewrite his prepared statement after hearing the most regrettable remarks from his Cambodian counterpart earlier in the day.
To his dismay, Cambodia continued to present itself as the victim. “Time and time again, it has portrayed its own version of the facts, which does not hold up to scrutiny, because it is simply a distortion of the truth,” he said.
Sihasak told the media that his speech at the UN was a good opportunity to express Thailand's stance and that he was pleased to fulfill his assigned duty, adding that everything went according to plan.
On the sidelines of the UNGA, the United States hosted a dialogue between Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia, the current ASEAN chair, regarding the ongoing border conflicts, despite the ceasefire agreement.
Sihasak said Thailand has already explained its stance and believes that the international community now better understands the Thai position.
In the past, Cambodia had presented one-sided information to gain an advantage, despite previous talks, at which both sides had agreed to look forward, adhere to prior agreements and act in good faith, he claimed
Statements by the Cambodian foreign minister, Sokhonn Prak, contradicted those discussions, making it necessary for Thailand to clarify the facts, he added.
Commenting on the potential international responses, Sihasak said he had spoken truthfully and believed all parties would understand Thailand's position.
