Phnom penh: In the wake of recent border clashes, Cambodia remains committed to resolving its disputes with Thailand through peaceful negotiations, diplomacy, and international law, according to Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, in a statement released on his official Facebook page on Aug. 19, H.E. Hun Many, who also serves as the Minister of Civil Service, highlighted the Royal Government’s consistent use of diplomatic strategies to de-escalate tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border. He cited several recent incidents, including a May 28 attack by the Thai military that killed a Cambodian soldier, Thailand’s unilateral border checkpoint closure on June 7, and armed clashes on July 24.
“These events have underscored the tireless efforts of the Royal Government in managing critical challenges through diplomacy, firmly upholding peaceful solutions, respect for international law-including legal remedies through the International Court of Justice (ICJ)-and reliance on formal negotiation mechanisms,” H.E. Hun Many said.
The Deputy Prime Minister pointed to a special meeting on July 28 between Cambodia’s Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister, which was mediated by the Malaysian Prime Minister and attended by U.S. and Chinese representatives. The meeting resulted in an unconditional ceasefire, which took effect at midnight on July 28.
The agreement led to the Extraordinary General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting on Aug. 7, where terms for the ceasefire’s implementation were established. Subsequent Regional Border Committee (RBC) talks have also been held to reinforce stability and ensure the truce is upheld.
“Cambodia has opened diplomatic channels at all levels,” Hun Many stated, noting that the Royal Government has regularly briefed foreign diplomats and international agencies. He added that delegations of ambassadors and military attach©s have been led to the conflict areas to observe the situation and displacement sites firsthand.
Recent high-level meetings, including informal talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn and his Chinese and Thai counterparts at the 10th Mekong-Lancang Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Aug. 14, further demonstrate Cambodia’s resolve to restore peace through all available means.
“These efforts clearly attest to the Royal Government’s determination to manage diplomacy with firmness and responsibility, safeguarding national interests and strengthening Cambodia’s credibility on the international stage,” the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed.
H.E. Hun Many concluded by urging the Cambodian people to continue to support the Royal Government’s “prudent, realistic, and strategic measures” aimed at restoring stability and peace.