Bangkok: The National Security Council (NSC) has decided to deploy General Apirat Kongsompong to attend the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting with the Cambodian Ministry of Defence, set to take place in Chanthaburi.
According to Thai News Agency, the NSC has also resolved that General Natthaphol Nakpanich, the Minister of Defence, will participate in the GBC meeting with Cambodian defense officials tomorrow. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who chaired the NSC meeting, emphasized that the areas declared as protected territory are now effective, and this decision cannot be reversed. He insisted that once the agreement is signed, both nations must order an immediate ceasefire.
The NSC meeting, which included Cabinet members, approved the resolution under Article 8 of the Administrative Procedure Act B.E. 2534, equating it to a Cabinet resolution for the upcoming negotiations with Cambodia. The Prime Minister provided clarity on the agreement, noting that it would adhere to the Joint Declaration signed in Malaysia, referred to as the Joint Statement. The four main points have been positively received, with both Thailand and Cambodia agreeing on terms, including maintaining military territorial integrity.
The agreement mandates no clashes for 72 hours post-signature, a condition Thailand requires Cambodia to accept. In return, Thailand will consider releasing Cambodian soldiers if this is honored. The Prime Minister reaffirmed that the newly defined territorial boundaries will remain unchanged from today onwards, urging that this agreement be the final one. Should any Thai soldiers suffer injuries from landmines after the 72-hour period, Thailand is ready to retaliate. Both sides are expected to command a ceasefire immediately following the signing, with efforts to finalize negotiations before the New Year.