The Nation reported that on August 5, Acting Minister of National Defense of Thailand, General Nattaphon Narkphanit spoke about the progress of the ongoing joint Border Commission (GBC) meeting between Thailand and Cambodia. The GBC meeting began on August 4, in the context that the two countries have signed a ceasefire agreement after recent clashes.
Mr. Nattaphon revealed that Thailand has set out 8 conditions for GBC negotiations, and expressed surprise at Cambodia's limited proposals in the discussions. He said the Cambodian side had not proposed many points for negotiations, which was surprising in the context of ongoing tensions.
Thailand has remained committed to the ceasefire and has not taken any military action since it signed it, nattaphon said. The Thai military maintains its position and closely monitors the situation in the border area to prepare for new developments.
Regarding Cambodia's moves during the ceasefire, Mr. Nattaphon affirmed that any violation of the agreement will be discussed at further meetings. He also emphasized: "We will not let Thailand suffer in this matter".
The Thai delegation attending the GBC negotiations included representatives from the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies to ensure the exchanges took place comprehensively.
Responding to the risk of a new border conflict, Mr. Nattaphon affirmed that Thailand does not want to escalate the situation, but warned that it depends on whether Cambodia fulfills its commitment or not.
He also mentioned the presence of international observers and major powers, saying that this factor will contribute to creating global public pressure if there is a ceasefire violation from any side.
Our plan is to control the situation on both sides of the border in a balanced manner, not to be subjective but also not to cause more tension, Mr. Nattaphon concluded.
On the same day, the Khmer Times reported that Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesman Lieutenant General Maly Socheata said that as of the morning of August 5, the situation along the border between the two provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey had stabilized, while Cambodian forces continued to be highly vigilant.
Lieutenant General Maly said Cambodia strictly complied with the provisions of the ceasefire agreed in Malaysia on July 28.
"These are clear, sincere, steadfast, unchanged and unchanging commitments, as well as the strong stance of the Royal Government of Cambodia, including the armed forces, that we fully respect and voluntarily implement the provisions of the ceasefire, striving towards a better situation as soon as possible" - Lieutenant General Maly said.
She added that according to information received by the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense, the Thai army plans to launch an attack along the border from the Ta Moan Temple, Takrabei Temple, and Preah Vihear Temple to the An Ses area. The attack could begin before the final day of the GBC meeting, scheduled for August 7, the spokesperson said.
