Bangkok: "Sihasak" reveals that Japan and China are concerned about the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. Thai Prime Minister Sihasak Sihasak revealed that Japan and China are concerned about the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. Wang Yi personally called, requesting to send a special envoy to discuss the matter with Thailand before proceeding to Cambodia. Meanwhile, Thailand emphasized that Cambodia must initiate negotiations, demonstrate sincerity, and achieve a ceasefire-not just a declaration, but direct dialogue with Cambodia's military and clear measures.
According to Thai News Agency, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaew stated after a meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu and Mr. Aisawa Ichiro, President and member of the Japan-Thailand Parliamentary Friendship Group, that Japan is concerned about the escalating conflict between Thailand and Cambodia and offers its assistance if possible, but not necessarily through mediation. He emphasized the need to hear Thailand's perspective on the situation. Thai Minister Sihasak reiterated that he does not wish for conflict and seeks a peaceful resolution. However, he acknowledged that the decision to resolve the situation rests with Cambodia, which has been evading negotiations and acting contrary to its own intentions. He stressed that Thailand is open to dialogue, but Cambodia must take the initiative. If Cambodia desires a ceasefire, it must formally propose it and demonstrate its sincerity and seriousness. Japan understands this and wants a peaceful resolution, particularly regarding con cerns about the impact on Japanese companies investing in Thailand, some of which have manufacturing facilities in Cambodia. When fighting breaks out and borders are closed, sending parts becomes more difficult. It may have to be done by air or sea, which is more expensive.
However, whether or not to have a ceasefire is a matter that needs to be discussed in detail with the Thai military. This includes how to begin, what signals should be given, and what measures are required. A ceasefire isn't just about making a declaration; it requires direct discussions between the military and Cambodia, the establishment of specific measures for implementation and monitoring. This is what Thailand has communicated, and we are happy for anyone to convey this message to Cambodia if they wish.
"The other day, the EU's high-ranking foreign affairs representative called, expressing concern. He told me that Cambodia had said they were ready for an unconditional ceasefire, and asked about Thailand's stance. I told him that we hadn't heard anything about it; this was the first time we'd heard. Cambodia hadn't informed us, yet they'd told other countries, which would make it seem like Thailand was an obstacle, but that's not true. Therefore, we need to have a discussion with Cambodia to clarify their position. If they are ready for a ceasefire, they should propose it first and demonstrate their sincerity. After that, they must initiate the negotiations, stating their desire to talk. A ceasefire doesn't happen out of nowhere; there needs to be negotiation regarding the conditions and measures involved," Mr. Sihasak said.
Mr. Sihasak also revealed that during his visit to Japan, he was contacted by Mr. Huang Yi, the Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China, who called to express concern about the situation and said that a special representative would be coming. He added that China should let him know if he needed any assistance, as China is a friend of both countries and wants to see the situation resolved. He also said that China would be happy to help in any way it could. Mr. Sihasak explained to China, as he had explained to Japan, that Thailand does not wish for conflict and that the problem stems from Cambodia's stance, starting with the issue of landmines in the Thai border area. These were new landmines, which Cambodia denies. The situation that led to the clashes was due to provocation in the area. After the explanation, China understood and coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to request the sending of a special representative to discuss the matter. Initially, they will speak with the Permanent S ecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and then likely speak with the Cambodian side, but these discussions have not yet taken place.
"The same thing happened with Wang Yi and the Japanese Foreign Minister. We said we are ready, but their side must be truly ready. They must be the ones to request a ceasefire and demonstrate sincerity-a 24-hour ceasefire. I'm not a military expert, but there needs to be a show of sincerity. After that, we need to discuss how to proceed. Mr. Wang Yi understands this, but of course, he doesn't want the situation to drag on because it affects the region. At the same time, he doesn't intend to interfere. He needs to see how both sides are prepared and what their stance is before he can intervene. That's why he has a special representative for regional affairs, who may travel to Thailand and Cambodia."
Regarding the lingering doubts about whether the weapons used by Cambodia were Chinese, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that China has already said it has no policy of supplying weapons to any country, especially after a conflict, as it would worsen the situation. This is a stance China has consistently maintained. The Minister confirmed that there is evidence of seized weapons manufactured in China, but China maintains that it has not supplied any weapons since the conflict. As for weapons supplied, that is part of normal cooperation between both China and Thailand.