New york: The Thai Foreign Minister has issued a stern warning to Cambodia, urging them to halt the use of international platforms to levy accusations against Thailand. This comes in the wake of a Cambodian representative's alleged attempt to use a United Nations Security Council meeting to accuse Thailand of territorial encroachment and violating a ceasefire agreement. The Foreign Minister emphasized that such actions are contradictory and detrimental to the trust between the two nations' leaders, while reaffirming Thailand's commitment to resolve disputes under the framework of the Unified Maritime Law (UNCLOS).
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeo shared insights from his attendance at a special United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting in New York. During this meeting, he engaged in bilateral discussions with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prak Sokhonn.
Mr. Sihasak voiced his strong disapproval of a statement made by Mr. Keo Chea, Cambodia's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, during the UNSC meeting. Mr. Sihasak accused Mr. Chea of using the bilateral border dispute to unfairly criticize Thailand, alleging encroachment and war-related harm. He contended that such actions undermine mutual agreements and violate a prior understanding between the leaders to keep the issue out of international discourse and focus on internal negotiations.
The Foreign Minister highlighted that resorting to defamatory tactics on the global stage would not benefit either nation and would be indicative of "saying one thing and doing another." He expressed hope that the Cambodian government would adopt a forward-looking approach and collaborate with Thailand to build trust, ultimately resolving the longstanding border dispute. He cautioned that if Cambodia maintains its current stance, the joint development agreement could stall, potentially harming Cambodia's interests.
On the matter of maritime boundary issues, Mr. Sihasak reiterated Thailand's position following the cancellation of MOU 44. He affirmed that Thailand would adhere to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and seek open dialogue within this framework to explore trend and possibility assessments. However, he noted that if negotiations fail to yield an agreement, alternative mechanisms, such as compromise following the procedures of the Law of the Sea, will be considered.