Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow on Monday reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to peace and diplomacy following his return from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) where he harshly responded to Cambodia’s claims about the Thai-Cambodia conflict.
He emphasised that Thailand remains open to dialogue to ease border tensions, and its position has been made clear. But he said that peace could not be achieved if it was one-sided and lacking in sincerity from Cambodia.
“We aren’t closing the door. But as I say, there are two choices — either sliding further into the conflict and losses or committing to dialogue that leads to peace and safety,” he said.
Mr Sihasak said that Thailand and Cambodia are neighbours, so they should use bilateral mechanisms to resolve the border issues without the need to bring the matter to international attention.
However, if the issue is brought up on the international stage, distorting facts is not conducive to efforts to resolve the conflict, he added.
Speaking at the UNGA’s 80th session in New York on Saturday local time, Mr Sihasak said that Cambodia continued to lie, act provocatively, violate the ceasefire agreement with Thailand and play the victim.
His remarks were in response to Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn, who alleged Cambodian civilians had been evicted from land they had lived on for decades and that an unprovoked attack had occurred near a sensitive site.
The Cambodian minister appeared to be referring to Thailand’s attempts to reclaim part of Ban Nong Chan village in Khok Sung district of Sa Kaeo province from Cambodian refugees who remained after fleeing the civil war in the 1970s.
Mr Sihasak said he believed his remarks in New York would help the international community better understand the Thai-Cambodian situation after Cambodia presented one-sided information. He added that he had to clarify Thailand’s stance because Cambodia’s statements contradicted what had been agreed in the talks.
Asked about Thailand’s next steps following his speech, Mr Sihasak said on Monday he will discuss the matter with Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and security agencies.
He admitted he is concerned about the situation, saying Thailand and Cambodia had not held further talks.