KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 — Cambodia and Thailand have both sought Malaysia’s support, in its capacity as Asean chair, to accelerate the monitoring of a ceasefire agreement aimed at securing lasting peace along the Cambodian-Thai border.
Today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held separate discussions with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai.
Hun Manet said he reached out to Anwar to ensure the swift advancement of ceasefire mechanisms.
“I had a phone call with His Excellency Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, regarding the progress of the implementation of the ceasefire.
“We also discussed the need for a quick establishment of the Asean Observer Team and the operation of the Interim Observer Team (IOT). Both are important mechanisms for effectively monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire,” Manet said in a Facebook post today.
Meanwhile, Phumtham said he discussed IOT operations with Anwar to help secure lasting peace along the Cambodian-Thai border.
“I reaffirmed that Thailand wishes for the IOT, which has only recently begun its work, to operate in accordance with the principles and framework agreed at the General Border Committee (GBC) extraordinary meeting on August 7.
“I proposed that the upcoming GBC meeting, scheduled for next month, could review the IOT’s operations if necessary,” he said in a Facebook post today.
Phumtham also expressed his gratitude to Anwar for Malaysia’s role in facilitating progress and for its readiness to support Thailand’s efforts to resolve the border conflict peacefully through bilateral consultations with Cambodia.
Cambodia and Thailand agreed to end armed clashes along their shared border during a special meeting in Putrajaya on July 28, following five days of intense fighting.
The ceasefire, initiated by Malaysia and observed by the United States and China, was aimed at de-escalating tensions and safeguarding regional stability.
Cambodian and Thai officials attended the GBC meeting on August 7 in Kuala Lumpur, followed by the Regional Border Committee meeting involving top military officials in Trat Province in Thailand on Saturday.
Both sides are now working towards formalising a lasting ceasefire after the recent hostilities linked to disputed and unmarked border areas.
Meanwhile, the Cambodian Defence Ministry today said security is stable along the border.
“The situation along the frontline areas covering Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey and Banteay Meanchey provinces remains calm and under the firm control of our forces,” ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata said.
