Thailand still remains unconvinced that Cambodia is being sincere in meeting its four preconditions for the restoration of true peace, said the Thai Foreign Minister, adding Thailand has negotiated for the sake of the country, not to give the United States the image of being a peace broker.
“Thailand wants to see genuine and peaceful coexistence between the two neighbours,” said Sihasak Phuangketkeow.
Regarding the US offer to mediate, which is being partly seen as an effort to promote President Donald Trump’s image as a global peacemaker, Sihasak said that, if US involvement helps to progress talks with Cambodia, it would be welcomed.
Sihasak, who was in Bhutan for an official visit, dismissed his Cambodian counterpart Prak Sokhonn’s claims that Thailand had agreed, during a recent meeting in Kuala Lumpur, to sign a joint declaration with Cambodia to end the ongoing conflicts.
“There was never any discussion about Cambodia’s nine conditions. Cambodia must first agree to our four conditions before we can even consider talking about any joint declaration. Without those four conditions (being met), mutual relations cannot move forward,” he said.
He also denied Prak Sokhonn’s claims that Thailand had agreed to release prisoners of war soon, saying they would only be freed once tensions eased.
“I do not know why Cambodia released a statement, claiming there were nine specified conditions. That may be a mistaken report or an attempt to gain advantage, which should not happen,” he said.
Bangkok is looking forward to the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, as it hopes to see concrete plans and serious implementation on the four main issues, so they can be acted upon.
Thailand’s four conditions for Cambodia are:
1. A plan to return heavy weapons to their original positions to reduce tension along the border.
2. A plan to begin demining efforts.
3. A plan for cooperation in combating transnational crime.
4. A serious discussion on border intrusions, to determine peaceful ways to prevent future incidents.
“When actions are seen to be effective, the Thai side will consider the release of the 18 prisoners of war. That is what we agreed and I want to clarify the facts. That is indeed the case,” he said.
When asked whether the conflict with Cambodia weighs heavy on him, Sihasak replied that he had felt the weight of responsibility since taking office, adding “This issue with Cambodia is delicate and multi-dimensional, requiring both diplomatic and military solutions… Importantly, we must consider the feelings of the Thai people. Cambodia has violated our sovereignty and we must protect Thailand’s sovereignty and dignity. Our policy must take these points into account.”
He went on to say, “Negotiation is important and must be peaceful. One-sided negotiation, however, is not useful. In the past, Cambodia has attempted to use evasion and diversion, instead of resolving matters bilaterally within existing frameworks and diplomatic channels. Cambodia has not shown readiness to negotiate. Sometimes they want to take the issue to the UN or the ICJ.”
He added that, in the past, the Thai position may have lacked unity. Since taking office, he has emphasised the need for unity, to give Thailand more weight in negotiations.
“Therefore, Cambodia’s statement that Thailand would release the prisoners immediately without conditions is incorrect. We understand Cambodia’s concerns and agree that this is a humanitarian issue, but Thailand must first be certain that Cambodia is ready to act on the key issues,” he said.
