Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is insisting that Cambodia complies with all conditions in the recently signed joint declaration, while noting that many steps remain before the two nations can fully normalise their relations.
Anutin said that the restoration of full diplomatic ties with Cambodia will not happen immediately, even though both countries signed the joint declaration on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Anutin and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet signed the document in the presence of US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who hosted the summit on Sunday.
He emphasised that the document outlines a path to the defusing of ongoing tensions with Cambodia, despite the two nations having already agreed to a ceasefire.
President Trump, meanwhile, described it as “a peace deal,” while Anwar referred to it as the “Kuala Lumpur Accord.”
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Anutin said that the atmosphere of the talks was positive, crediting the involvement of Trump and Anwar.
“All sides want peace, which is far more valuable than the loss of lives and property,” Anutin said.
He stressed that both governments had agreed to follow the terms of the declaration, which outlines measures to de-escalate long-standing border tensions and confirmed that Thailand’s military is coordinating with its Cambodian counterparts to begin clearing disputed border areas.
“The process will start immediately,” he said, adding that operational details will be handled by the deputy chief of staff leading the negotiation team.
Anutin made a point to say, however, that diplomatic normalisation has not yet begun, adding that there are still many steps that Cambodia must take, as outlined in the declaration. “Both sides need to follow the agreed conditions before we can move forward,” he emphasised.
Both countries downgraded diplomatic relations, including the withdrawal their ambassadors, following intense border clashes between May and July.
Thailand also closed all border checkpoints, and both sides have since been engaged in tit for tat border demarcation quarrels.
When asked what would happen if Cambodia refuses to comply with the joint declaration, Anutin said the commitments are now understood by the international community. “It would be difficult for any party not to comply when the world is watching,” he added.
In a separate meeting with President Trump, Anutin discussed trade issues, urging the United States to lower tariffs on Thai goods in recognition of Thailand’s cooperation on various bilateral matters.
He also invited President Trump to visit Thailand, noting that no U.S. president has made an official visit in nearly a decade.
“The president accepted the invitation in principle,” Anutin said. “It would be a good opportunity to strengthen our friendship and economic ties.”
