(Bangkok): On Friday afternoon (Jun. 5), Cambodian Minister of National Defence Tea Seiha held discussions with Thai Minister of Defence Phumtham Wechayachai regarding recent border tensions. The meeting took place in Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province, Thailand.

The outcomes of the meeting were as follows:

- Both sides agreed to de-escalate tensions by maintaining mutual communication, fostering understanding, and continuing peaceful dialogue, with the aim of preventing any military clashes between Cambodia and Thailand.

- The Thai side requested Cambodia to withdraw its troops from the position stationed in the Emerald Triangle area, where clashes occurred on May 28. However, the Cambodian side rejected the request, asserting that the mentioned location lies within Cambodia’s sovereign territory, where its forces have been stationed permanently since the beginning. Cambodia emphasized that it cannot retreat from a position where its troops have been present for a long time and which clearly falls under Cambodian sovereignty.

- Cambodia stressed that as long as Thailand continues to use different maps and standards, a common basis for maintaining border stability cannot be established. Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to the spirit of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU 2000) on mutual understanding and cooperation, which it has consistently upheld. Consequently, Cambodia has decided to prepare and submit a legal case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague concerning four disputed areas: Mom Bei, Ta Muan Thom Temple, Ta Muan Tauch Temple, and Ta Krabei Temple. This action seeks to resolve the dispute and definitively demarcate the border. Cambodia emphasised its pursuit of peace, stability, and mutual benefit for the peoples of both nations. In response, Thailand expressed respect for Cambodia’s right to take the matter to the ICJ. Both sides also agreed to continue discussions through the General Border Committee (GBC), Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), and Regional Border Committee (RBC) in forthcoming meetings.

The Thai side also clarified and dismissed all misleading and provocative reports that could inflame tensions between the two countries’ armed forces and populations—such as claims about the closure of international border crossings, the cancellation of JBC meetings, and other unofficial information.
=FRESH NEWS