In truce talks with Cambodia in Malaysia today, Thailand will make clear that it needs to see Cambodia’s sincerity and commitment to ending the bloody fighting that has claimed the lives of innocent civilians and damaged non-military areas, said Thailand’s lead negotiator.
“We do not believe Cambodia is acting in good faith, based on their actions," acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai said, adding,
“They need to demonstrate genuine intent and we will assess that during the meeting.”
He was speaking before departing for Kuala Lumpur, to attend the first round of negotiations at 2pm Bangkok time, which has Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the current ASEAN chair, as mediator.
Representatives from both the United States and China will be present.
Phumtham said that the international community understands and supports Thailand’s clear intent to protect national sovereignty and ensure the security of its people, adding, “I have already been informed of the conditions by the armed forces fighting at the border and to what they will and will not agree at the Kuala Lumpur meeting.”
He added that any long-term commitments or agreements will be subject to approval by the Thai parliament.
Phumtham is being accompanied by Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Deputy Defence Minister Nattaphon Nakpanich, Prime Minister’s Secretary-General Prommin Lertsuridej, and Government Spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap.
Phumtham became acting prime minister after the Constitutional Court suspended Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office in late June, pending an investigation into alleged ethical misconduct stemming from her recorded and leaked conversation with Cambodia’s strongman, Hun Sen.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said American officials are in Malaysia to support the peace efforts, with hopes of achieving a ceasefire.
In a statement released yesterday, Rubio said both he and US President Donald Trump have been in contact with their counterparts in the region and are closely monitoring the situation.
“We want this conflict to end as soon as possible… State Department officials are on the ground in Malaysia to assist these peace efforts,” he said.
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have intensified since the killing of a Cambodian soldier during a brief border skirmish in late May.
Rubio, in separate phone calls on Sunday with Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Thai Foreign Minister Maris, urged both nations to de-escalate tensions immediately and agree to a ceasefire, according to a US State Department spokesperson.
Rubio also reiterated President Trump’s strong desire for peace and the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, adding that “The United States is prepared to facilitate future discussions to help ensure peace and stability between Thailand and Cambodia.”
Trump said on Sunday that he believes that both sides want to resolve their differences, especially after he warned both countries that the US would not conclude trade deals with them unless the fighting stops.
