Sihasak: Cambodia must halt actions that complicate ceasefire

Thailand has urged Cambodia to cease any further actions and accusations against it, as they complicate mutual relations and the ongoing ceasefire process, said Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow yesterday.

Now that a ceasefire is in place, there is no reason for them not to talk to each other directly, he said.

“The door for dialogue is already open for both countries, so no third country should be included, nor should the issue be taken to various international platforms,” Sihasak said.

He was responding to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet’s exclusive interview with Reuters during his trip to the US, in which he accused Bangkok of occupying Cambodian territory and obstructing displaced civilians, despite the signed ceasefire.

Sihasak said such moves only make things more complicated, adding Cambodia’s continued actions suggest an intention to put pressure on Thailand, which would not help to ease the situation.

Cambodia should avoid any actions that could further complicate the conflict, Sihasak said.

Thailand has tried to refrain from making critical comments and prefers bilateral talks between the two sides, he said.

Thailand is scheduled to attend the UN Human Rights Commission meeting in Geneva and, if Cambodia uses the forum to accuse Thailand, Bangkok is ready to respond.

He added that Thailand has conveyed to Cambodia that, if it wants to move relations forward, both sides must adhere to the ceasefire, build mutual trust and avoid accusations.

“We must move forward, not backward,” he said, noting that Thailand is aware that Cambodia has, at times, raised allegations on various platforms.

At this stage, both countries should work to create a positive atmosphere to restore bilateral relations.

If Cambodia genuinely wants to advance conflict resolution, Sihasak said, it must stop inconsistent actions and return to the approach agreed under the ceasefire arrangement.