Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet says a meeting of border military commanders between Cambodia and Thailand has produced positive results.
The talks, held on August 25 in Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province, brought together Cambodia’s Fifth Military Region and Thailand’s border defense commands from Chanthaburi and Trat provinces. Cambodia hosted the meeting.
Hun Manet wrote on his Facebook page on Monday that he welcomed the positive outcome of the extraordinary session of the Regional Border Committee, which focused on easing tensions and strengthening cooperation along the frontier.
Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense said in a statement that the two sides agreed in principle to establish a Coordination Group, known as CG, to reinforce communication at all levels. The group would link senior commanders, border liaison teams, field units, and operational forces along the Cambodia-Thailand border. The aim is to resolve problems peacefully and avoid further clashes.
The statement added that both delegations also discussed the possibility of creating a Township Border Committee, or TBC, involving both state and private institutions to strengthen cooperation in wider fields.
While the new structures are being set up, local commanders from both sides are expected to meet weekly or as needed to resolve issues in their areas of responsibility.
The Ministry of National Defense also confirmed that both Cambodia and Thailand reaffirmed the importance of humanitarian demining and pledged to cooperate in combating cross-border crimes. These include cyber fraud, drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms smuggling, and other illicit activities.
However, Thai media outlet Khaosod reported on August 25 that Boonsin Phladklang, commander of Thailand’s Second Army Region, had instructed Thai troops to retaliate immediately if Cambodian soldiers violated Thai sovereignty or planted landmines. The report added that Boonsin Phladklang is also preparing to coordinate directly with Hun Sen, who is currently serving as acting head of state.
Meanwhile, Cambodian social commentator Vorn Chanlot wrote on his Facebook account that the Cambodian National Assembly had on Monday urged Thailand to strictly respect the ceasefire.
He noted that the appeal carried much the same tone as repeated calls for Thai forces to engage with Cambodia professionally. The Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Maly Socheata confirmed that Cambodia has been calling for the enforcement of the ceasefire three times a day, but so far without success.
