Thailand has rejected Cambodia’s proposal to change the venue of the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, scheduled for tomorrow, from Chanthaburi province to Kuala Lumpur.
The proposed change was outlined in a letter submitted to the Thai GBC by its Cambodian counterpart, Defence Minister Tea Seiha, who cited safety concerns as the reason for the request.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow confirmed today that the GBC meeting will be held in Chanthaburi province as originally scheduled.
He also said that Cambodia has not yet proposed any preconditions for the meeting, but Thailand is open to discussing any preconditions from Cambodia, if there are any, during the talks.
Thailand has set three key principles for ceasefire talks with Cambodia:
• Cambodia must declare a ceasefire first
• The ceasefire must be genuine and sustained, with observers in place
• Cambodia must cooperate genuinely and in good faith on mine clearance
Thailand has also insisted that the border conflict between the two countries be resolved bilaterally.
Meanwhile, the Second Army Region reported that two Thai soldiers were injured yesterday at the Ta Kwai and Ta Muen Thom ancient ruins in Surin province, as fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces continued for the 16th consecutive day along the common border.
The Second Army Region also released the following summary of Monday’s fighting:
• In Ubon Ratchathani province, Cambodian forces launched rocket, artillery and mortar barrages on Thai troops at the Chong An Ma border pass, prompting Thai troops to respond with artillery fire.
• In Si Sa Ket province, Cambodian forces opened artillery, mortar and tank fire on Thai troops positioned at Cham Tae, Don Trual, Phu Phi, Santa Som, Phanom Prasitso and Chong Ta Thao.
• Cambodian gunners based on Mount 281 also shelled Thai troop positions at Phu Makua.
• Cambodian surveillance drones were sighted over Phu Makua, Chong Don Ao, Plarn Yao and Plarn Hin Paed Korn.
• In Surin province, Cambodian forces shelled the Ta Kwai ancient ruins, recently seized by Thai troops, with artillery rounds and BM-21 rockets, injuring one Thai soldier.
• Thai troops guarding the Ta Muen Thom ancient ruins came under intense shelling, resulting in another Thai soldier being wounded.
• No fighting was reported along the border in Buri Ram province.
