The withdrawal of Cambodia’s heavy weapons and civilians from disputed areas has been designated as one of the key conditions by Thailand in response to a letter from US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Thursday.
Speaking during his visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to deliver policy guidance, Mr Anutin, who also serves as an interior minister, said the meeting was held to prepare for upcoming negotiations with Cambodia, as well as to formulate a response to Trump’s letter addressed to him.
Mr Anutin said Trump had sent a letter expressing his desire for the country and Cambodia to resolve ongoing border tensions.
The remark came a day after Mr Anutin appeared to dismiss any further role for Mr Trump – who is seeking a Nobel Peace Prize – in negotiations between the two nations to resolve their border dispute.
Mr Anutin expressed appreciation for the goodwill shown by the US president, who conveyed his wish for regional peace, especially regarding the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border issue.
He reaffirmed Thailand’s unwavering commitment to peace and its intention to ensure that all efforts contribute to long-term regional stability and harmony.
He emphasised that prior agreements between Thailand and Cambodia must be upheld, including the withdrawal of heavy weaponry, demining efforts along the border, addressing online scam operations and ensuring lawful administration of areas within Thai territory.
‘These are the official positions of the Thai government,’ Mr Anutin said, noting that these terms had been clearly communicated to mediators involved in the dispute. However, he stressed that both Thailand and Cambodia, as the directly involved parties, must take responsibility for resolving the issue.
When asked about the statement from the Chinese ambassador to Cambodia, who expressed China’s readiness to support Cambodia in resolving the dispute, Mr Anutin responded that the Chinese ambassador to Thailand had given similar assurances.
‘Nevertheless, I wish to emphasise that this is a matter between Thailand and Cambodia. I believe other countries have good intentions and wish to see the conflict de-escalate,’ he added.
Regarding Thailand’s management of the Ban Nong Chan area in Sa Kaeo province, and how this will be communicated internationally, Mr Anutin said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will first issue a formal letter to Cambodia clarifying that Thailand must act to safeguard its sovereignty and that all actions will be legal.
In response to an article published by the Khmer Times, which claimed the prime minister had set an Oct 10 deadline for Cambodians to leave the Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaeo areas in Sa Kaeo, Mr Anutin denied the report. ‘The word ‘deadline’ has never been used by this government,’ he said.
The prime minister also expressed confidence that security agencies already have measures in place. He reiterated that, since day one in office, he has affirmed that diplomacy and negotiations fall under the full authority of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, which is empowered to pursue the best possible outcomes.
As for defending and safeguarding national sovereignty, that responsibility lies entirely with the armed forces. He added that the government’s role is to provide full support to both the military and the Foreign Ministry in fulfilling their respective missions.