BANGKOK, Oct 14 — Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has confirmed that discussions with his Cambodian counterpart in Malaysia on Sunday (October 12) regarding the ongoing border tensions between the two countries were successful.
The four-party consultations involving Malaysia, the United States (US), Cambodia, and Thailand, chaired by Malaysian Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, proceeded smoothly.
He said the negotiations were progressing well, with two additional issues still to be discussed further with Malaysia.
"There has been positive progress, and the discussions went very well. Thailand's proposals received favourable responses, which will lead to the next steps," Sihasak told the press after attending the Cabinet meeting today.
He noted that while progress had been made, the key question now was how the agreements would be implemented.
On Sunday, Sihasak visited Malaysia on a working visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as Asean chair.
He is expected to travel to Kuala Lumpur again this Friday (October 17) for further discussions with his Cambodian counterpart.
The minister also confirmed that he would brief Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on the outcomes of the talks.
"Negotiations on sovereignty are ongoing, and we must remain committed to maintaining and creating a positive atmosphere for the talks to move forward smoothly. We do not want to introduce additional issues that will complicate matters; that is what we hope for," Sihasak said.
Thailand and Cambodia are working towards lasting peace along their 817-kilometre shared border, which has long been a source of disputes. Tensions most recently escalated into a military confrontation in the Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear border areas on July 24.
Both governments subsequently agreed to defuse the situation, which has been closely monitored by Malaysia, as Asean chair, as well as the US and China.
