Thailand Reacts to Cambodia's Violation of Ceasefire Agreement
Bangkok asserts commitment to regional peace amid continued hostilities from Cambodia following ceasefire deal.
Thailand's Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa reaffirmed the country's commitment to maintaining regional peace on Tuesday, emphasizing a policy of patience following Cambodia's reported breach of a ceasefire agreement.
The ceasefire, established during joint negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia in Malaysia on July 28, was supposed to take effect at midnight; however, incidents of renewed fire were confirmed by the Royal Thai Army shortly thereafter.
In a press conference in Bangkok, Maris stated that while Thailand adheres to principles of patience and endurance, it remains steadfast against violations of sovereignty.
Specific reports indicated that Cambodian forces continued to fire mortars and other projectiles into Thai territory just hours after the truce commenced.
In response to these violations, Maris disclosed that he had sent formal protest letters, accompanied by evidence of the attacks, to Malaysia's Foreign Minister, as Malaysia is the ASEAN host country, as well as to the Chair of ASEAN, and additional letters to the U.S. Secretary of State and China’s Foreign Minister, both of whom were involved in the negotiation process.
Copies of the protest letters were also dispatched to Thailand's permanent representatives at the United Nations in New York and Geneva to inform allied nations of the situation.
Maris reported that Thailand's Prime Minister's Office made contact with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to discuss the alarming developments, while Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who was present, was also briefed on the situation.
The Foreign Minister indicated that while recent clashes had ceased, Thailand remains vigilant, monitoring information from military sources, and retains the right to respond in self-defense should violations persist.
Emphasizing that Thailand would not compromise its sovereignty and territorial integrity, Maris reiterated the country's commitment to peaceful resolutions.
Maris addressed concerns over possible perceptions of Thailand's negotiating position, asserting the country’s significant global recognition.
Following the negotiations, he mentioned receiving commendations from the U.S. Ambassador, as President Donald Trump expressed interest in connecting with Thailand's acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, to praise Thailand’s diplomatic approach.
French President Emmanuel Macron also conveyed support for Thailand's actions.
The Minister expressed confidence that Cambodia's potential misinformation would not alter international perceptions of Thailand, stating that the nation strives for transparent communication regarding facts and conducts itself with integrity.
He also brought attention to past instances where Thailand has protested against Cambodia's violations of international norms, specifically concerning the use of landmines, attacks on civilians, and adherence to documents such as the Ottawa Convention and Geneva Conventions.
In light of the ongoing tensions, Maris confirmed plans for a bilateral meeting with Vietnam's Foreign Minister, aiming to brief Vietnam on the current situation and to discuss regional matters further.
The ceasefire, established during joint negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia in Malaysia on July 28, was supposed to take effect at midnight; however, incidents of renewed fire were confirmed by the Royal Thai Army shortly thereafter.
In a press conference in Bangkok, Maris stated that while Thailand adheres to principles of patience and endurance, it remains steadfast against violations of sovereignty.
Specific reports indicated that Cambodian forces continued to fire mortars and other projectiles into Thai territory just hours after the truce commenced.
In response to these violations, Maris disclosed that he had sent formal protest letters, accompanied by evidence of the attacks, to Malaysia's Foreign Minister, as Malaysia is the ASEAN host country, as well as to the Chair of ASEAN, and additional letters to the U.S. Secretary of State and China’s Foreign Minister, both of whom were involved in the negotiation process.
Copies of the protest letters were also dispatched to Thailand's permanent representatives at the United Nations in New York and Geneva to inform allied nations of the situation.
Maris reported that Thailand's Prime Minister's Office made contact with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to discuss the alarming developments, while Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who was present, was also briefed on the situation.
The Foreign Minister indicated that while recent clashes had ceased, Thailand remains vigilant, monitoring information from military sources, and retains the right to respond in self-defense should violations persist.
Emphasizing that Thailand would not compromise its sovereignty and territorial integrity, Maris reiterated the country's commitment to peaceful resolutions.
Maris addressed concerns over possible perceptions of Thailand's negotiating position, asserting the country’s significant global recognition.
Following the negotiations, he mentioned receiving commendations from the U.S. Ambassador, as President Donald Trump expressed interest in connecting with Thailand's acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, to praise Thailand’s diplomatic approach.
French President Emmanuel Macron also conveyed support for Thailand's actions.
The Minister expressed confidence that Cambodia's potential misinformation would not alter international perceptions of Thailand, stating that the nation strives for transparent communication regarding facts and conducts itself with integrity.
He also brought attention to past instances where Thailand has protested against Cambodia's violations of international norms, specifically concerning the use of landmines, attacks on civilians, and adherence to documents such as the Ottawa Convention and Geneva Conventions.
In light of the ongoing tensions, Maris confirmed plans for a bilateral meeting with Vietnam's Foreign Minister, aiming to brief Vietnam on the current situation and to discuss regional matters further.
