Cambodia pressure tactics hinder ties, Thai FM says

Thailand and Cambodia’s relationship remains challenging, as the latter has not shown any genuine effort at this point, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said today.

Although Thailand has tried to turn a new page, Cambodia appears to be seeking unilateral advantage and attempting to pressure Thailand in negotiations, he said.

He cited the case of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting, for which Cambodia unilaterally proposed dates without consulting Thailand.

“Suddenly, Cambodia proposed dates—the 17th or the 25th—and then publicised them. What is that? It’s pressure on Thailand, to make it seem that they want to negotiate while Thailand does not,” he said.

He stressed that progress in bilateral relations must result from cooperation on both sides, not from attempts to gain the upper hand in every forum.

Regarding the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed in 2000 on border demarcation and in 2001 on maritime boundaries and resource sharing, Sihasak said he hopes that the National Security Council meeting on April 22 will discuss both agreements, starting with the 2001 MoU, from which Thailand plans to withdraw.

The 2000 MoU will also be discussed in detail.

He emphasised, however, that even without the 2001 MoU, Thailand can still reach maritime boundary agreements with neighbouring countries, as demonstrated in its agreement with Malaysia.

As for the 2000 MoU on border demarcation, he said various concerns must be taken into account, with differing views assessed in terms of what would best support future negotiations.