Truce between Thailand and Cambodia not agreed at ASEAN meeting
A special meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers held on 22 December in Kuala Lumpur failed to reach an agreement on a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia. This was stated by Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeo. It is reported by The Public with reference to Nation.
The two-hour talks ended without a common solution. Thailand insists that the implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Declaration is possible only after the actual cessation of hostilities. Bangkok has put forward three conditions for a truce. Cambodia must be the first to declare a ceasefire, it must be real and continuous, and it must provide for sincere cooperation, in particular in de-mining the border areas.
According to the Minister, the issue of mine danger remains critical. Since the signing of the joint statement, a Thai soldier has been injured by a mine for the seventh time, which Thailand considers a violation of the agreement. This has increased tensions on the border and led to new clashes.
Sihasak stressed that Thailand supports the settlement of the conflict within ASEAN and favours bilateral dialogue. At the same time, he criticised Cambodia's attempts to bring the issue to international platforms and the release of records of negotiations, which, he said, undermines trust between the countries.
The parties agreed that the ceasefire cannot be unilateral and needs clear control mechanisms. A meeting of the General Border Committee is scheduled for 24 December to determine specific steps and those responsible for monitoring the situation.
