Thailand is set to propose eight conditions during high-level border talks with Cambodia on Wednesday, aiming to maintain the fragile ceasefire agreed between the two countries.
According to a report published by the Bangkok Post on Tuesday, the Thai delegation will present the proposals at a special session of the Cambodia –Thailand General Border Committee, or GBC, scheduled to take place in Malaysia.
The Straits Times also reported on August 5 that Thailand’s proposed terms include a complete and unconditional respect for the ceasefire along disputed and border areas. Other measures cover the management of civilian populations, particularly those living in border zones, a total prohibition on reinforcement of troops in contested areas, and a ban on all military movements to avoid misunderstandings.
Thailand is also expected to call for joint cooperation in repatriating the wounded and deceased, the creation of a forward-working group to resolve incidents and exchange information, and a coordinated reduction in troop deployments to ease tensions. If consensus is reached, the two sides may sign a formal agreement.
On August 5, acting Thai Defence Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit confirmed in a press conference that the eight-point proposal was designed to adjust and build upon the existing agreement between Cambodia and Thailand. He said the goal is to secure peace and prevent future conflict.
Meanwhile, the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence claimed on August 5 that Thai forces had used heavy equipment to build a concrete base in An Ses, an area under Cambodian sovereignty. Cambodian authorities also accused Thai troops of violating the ceasefire agreement despite warnings from Cambodian forces.
The special session of the Cambodia –Thailand General Border Committee is scheduled for August 7 in Malaysia. The meeting follows three days of technical-level talks which began on August 4 and are expected to conclude on Thursday.
The upcoming meeting will bring together both countries’ defence ministers and military chiefs. It will be held at Wisma Perwira, near Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence. Observers from the United States, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are also expected to attend.
