The withdrawal of Cambodia’s heavy weapons and civilians from disputed areas has been set as among the key conditions by Thailand in response to a letter from US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul says.
Speaking during his visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to deliver policy guidance yesterday, Mr Anutin said the meeting was held to prepare for upcoming negotiations with the Cambodian side, as well as to formulate a response to Mr Trump’s letter addressed to him.
Mr Anutin said Mr Trump sent him a letter saying he wanted to see the country and neighbouring Cambodia resolve simmering border tensions.
The remark came a day after Mr Anutin appeared to brush off a continued role for Mr Trump — who is chasing a Nobel Peace Prize — in any further negotiations between the two nations aimed at solving their border dispute.
Mr Anutin expressed appreciation for the goodwill shown by the US president, who conveyed his desire to see peace prevail in the region, particularly in relation to the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border dispute.
Mr Anutin affirmed 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 the lawful administration of areas within Thai territory.
“These are the official positions of the Thai government,” Mr Anutin said, noting that these terms had also been clearly communicated to those offering to mediate in the dispute. However, he stressed that both parties directly involved — Thailand and Cambodia — must take responsibility for resolving the matter.
When asked about the statement from the Chinese ambassador to Cambodia, who expressed Beijing’s readiness to support Cambodia in resolving the issue, 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 de-escalation of the conflict,” Mr Anutin said.
Regarding Thailand’s management of the Ban Nong Chan area in Sa Kaeo, and how this will be communicated to the international community, Mr Anutin said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would first issue a formal letter to Cambodia clarifying that Thailand must act to safeguard its sovereignty and that all actions would be taken in accordance with the law.
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 the security agencies already have measures in place. He reiterated that, from his very first day in office, he had affirmed that diplomacy and negotiations fall under the full authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is empowered to pursue the best possible outcomes.
As for the defence and protection of 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 Ministry of Foreign Affairs in fulfilling their respective missions.