Cambodia, Thailand Turn To Malaysia For Support In Fast-tracking Border Ceasefire Measures

By Vijian Paramasivam & Kenny Teng

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Cambodia and Thailand have both sought Malaysia’s support, in its capacity as ASEAN chair, to accelerate the monitoring of a ceasefire agreement aimed at securing lasting peace along the Thai–Cambodian border.

On Tuesday, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held separate discussions with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.

Hun Manet said he reached out to Anwar to ensure the swift advancement of ceasefire mechanisms.

“I had a phone call with His Excellency Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, regarding the progress of the implementation of the ceasefire.

“We also discussed the need for a quick establishment of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) and the operation of the Interim Observer Team (IOT). “Both are important mechanisms for effectively monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire,” Manet said on his official Facebook page posting on Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile, Phumtham said he discussed IOT operations with Anwar to help secure lasting peace along the Thai–Cambodian border.

“I reaffirmed that Thailand wishes for the IOT, which has only recently begun its work, to operate in accordance with the principles and framework agreed at the Extraordinary General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting on Aug 7.

“I further proposed that the upcoming GBC meeting, scheduled for next month, could review the IOT’s operations if necessary,” he said in a post on his official Facebook account on Tuesday

Phumtham also expressed his gratitude to Anwar for Malaysia’s role in in facilitating progress and for its readiness to support Thailand’s efforts to resolve the border conflict peacefully through bilateral consultations with Cambodia.

Cambodia and Thailand agreed to end their armed clashes along the border during a special meeting in Putrajaya on July 28, following five days of intense fighting.

The ceasefire, initiated by Malaysia and observed by the United States and China, was aimed at swiftly de-escalating tensions and safeguarding regional stability.

Cambodian and Thai officials attended the General Border Committee meeting on August 7 in Kuala Lumpur, followed by the Regional Border Committee meeting involving top military officials in Trat Province in Thailand last Saturday.

Both sides are now working towards formalising a lasting ceasefire after the recent hostilities linked to disputed and unmarked border areas.

Meanwhile, the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence on Tuesday said the security situation is currently stable along the border areas. 

"The situation along the frontline areas covering Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey and Banteay Meanchey provinces remains calm and under the firm control of our forces,” ministry spokesperson Lt Gen Maly Socheata said.

-- BERNAMA