Thailand has expressed openness to an offer from a major power to assist in its talks with Cambodia, but only in a facilitating role, not as a negotiator, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said today.
“Thailand has preferred to resolve the conflicts with Cambodia through bilateral means. But if that major power has good intentions and wishes to serve as a facilitator rather than a negotiator, we have no objection,” Sihasak said.
He added that any discussions taking place through other channels that could lead to genuine progress would be welcomed, Sihasak said, adding "What we truly want is real progress".
Sihasak was referring to the United States, whose President Donald Trump has lobbied Malaysia, the host of this month’s ASEAN Summit, saying he will attend the meeting only if he can preside over the signing of a peace deal between Thailand and Cambodia.
Trump has also sent a letter to the Thai government expressing his wish to preside over the peace-signing ceremony on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters yesterday that the signing would take place only if Cambodia agrees to the four preconditions set by Thailand.
Sihasak said the four preconditions are:
- Withdrawal of heavy weapons from border areas under ASEAN observers’ supervision;
- Clearance of landmines that have injured Thai soldiers;
- Joint suppression of cross-border crimes, including call-centre scams; and
- Management of border areas encroached upon by Cambodian villagers.
Trump’s intervention in the conflict, coupled with his threat to withhold trade negotiations from countries engaged in warfare, has pushed both countries to sign a ceasefire agreement in Malaysia on July 28.
Speaking at a meeting with representatives of Thai businesses operating in Cambodia, Sihasak said the session was held to hear their concerns and assess the impact of the ongoing tensions.
“The Foreign Ministry is aware that the private sector has been affected, and we want to listen to you about those impacts while we continue diplomatic efforts to resolve the issues. We will also look at what measures can help alleviate those effects,” he said.
He stressed that Thailand and Cambodia, as neighbours, should coexist peacefully. “Their peace and progress are also ours,” Sihasak said.
“Unfortunately, the current situation is not what Thailand desires. Despite our continuous attempts to reach out for peaceful dialogue, Cambodia has often avoided serious negotiations, instead seeking advantages or using international platforms to criticise Thailand.”
Sihasak said the Thai government continues to defend national sovereignty but remains open to serious negotiations.
“It is not easy to achieve peace, but we are doing our utmost,” Sihasak said. “We want to discuss what measures can help reduce the current impacts while we work toward a peaceful resolution.”
