THAILAND SEEKS GENUINE IMPLEMENTATION OF BORDER PEACE ACCORD WITH CAMBODIA - SIHASAK

By Nur Syahidayah Mahasan & Voon Miaw Ping

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- Thailand hopes that the proposed joint declaration with Cambodia on ceasefire will mark a genuine step towards achieving lasting peace and cooperation along the shared border, said Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.

In an exclusive interview with Bernama ahead of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, he also expressed optimism that the joint declaration would open a new chapter in relations between the two neighbours, paving the way for de-escalation of tension, humanitarian cooperation and stronger regional security.

“We hope to be able to sign a declaration here in Kuala Lumpur that will open a new chapter in our relations with Cambodia.

“For us, it is not just about what we sign in the agreement. It is also important to implement what we have agreed upon. We want real, genuine peace, not just a signed document,” he said.

Sihasak emphasised that peace will only take root when both countries follow through with the commitments and good faith, particularly on sensitive issues such as demining and tackling cross-border crimes.

“Peace will not just come with the signing of this document, as much as we welcome it. It will happen when both sides begin the implementation.

“So we hope that our Cambodian friends will join us, in good faith, in carrying out all that we have agreed in the joint declaration,” he said.

Sihasak said the drafting of the joint declaration with Cambodia covered key areas, including the de-escalation of tensions, demining, and closer collaboration against transnational crimes such as scam operations and human trafficking.

“I have been back to Kuala Lumpur twice, and the last meeting lasted until midnight.

“I am very pleased that my Cambodian colleagues are working with us seriously and earnestly to address the issues, such as how to de-escalate the situation at the border, and how we can really work together on humanitarian demining,” he said.

He emphasised that the progress made between Thailand and Cambodia during the meetings reflects the strength of ASEAN’s diplomacy and Malaysia’s effective facilitation as current ASEAN Chair.

“Malaysia has played a very important role as a facilitator of the meetings we have had. This is the kind of ASEAN spirit that we need to be working together, building trust, and ensuring that our region remains one of peace and cooperation,” he said in reference to the four-party consultations hosted by Malaysia on Oct 12 and 17.

The United States (US) also participated in the meetings as observer.

US President Donald Trump, who will be in Malaysia to attend ASEAN-related summits, is also expected to witness the signing ceremony of the joint declaration between Thailand and Cambodia, to be known as Kuala Lumpur Accord, on Oct 26.

Thailand and Cambodia have long been in dispute over their 817-kilometre border, with recent tensions flaring into a military confrontation on July 24.

On July 28, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hosted a high-stakes meeting in Putrajaya between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and then Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, successfully defusing tensions along the two countries’ shared border.

The ceasefire, widely seen as a major ASEAN achievement, prevented a broader military escalation and ensured the safety of thousands of civilians.

Malaysia, which holds the ASEAN Chairmanship this year under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, will host the regional meeting from Oct 26 to 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

-- BERNAMA