Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to begin withdrawing and adjusting their heavy weapons from their shared border on November 1.
The decision marks a positive step forward following heightened tensions between the two nations since May.
The withdrawal will proceed in three phases:
1. Multiple rocket launcher systems will be the first to be withdrawn, starting November 1.
2. Artillery systems, both towed and self-propelled, with calibres of 155 mm and below, will follow on November 22.
3. Armoured vehicles and tanks will be withdrawn starting December 13.
The implementation of the process will be observed by the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT).
The agreement was reached during a meeting between Maj Gen Kampanat Waphansu, Chief of Staff of Thailand’s 2nd Army Region, and Lt Gen Nid Narong, Deputy Chief of Staff of Cambodia’s Military Region 4.
The meeting was held under the framework of the Thai–Cambodian Regional Border Committee at the Cambodia–Thailand Border Coordination Office in O’Smach, Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia.
It was convened to discuss the implementation of the Joint Declaration between the two countries, signed on October 26 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Maj Gen Witthay Laithomya, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, said that Thailand yesterday relocated two M60A3 tanks back to their base in Saraburi province.
The relocation was carried out to demonstrate that the Thai armed forces uphold the spirit of the joint declaration, to create a safe and stable environment along the border, reduce mutual suspicion, and build tangible trust between the two nations.
Witthay said the Thai side regarded October 26 as the “D-Day” for the commencement of heavy weapons withdrawal under the declaration.
He further stated that the Thai Armed Forces have clearly expressed their intention to withdraw heavy weapons from the border areas to de-escalate tensions and prevent potential misunderstandings.
Yesterday’s withdrawal of the two tanks was witnessed by AOT members from Malaysia and the Philippines.
