Bangkok: Cambodian Prime Minister Srisaket Ibrahim affirmed that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not pressure Thailand to cease fire in the ongoing conflict with Cambodia. Instead, Rubio merely inquired about the situation and expressed willingness to coordinate efforts. Ibrahim emphasized that a ceasefire must originate from Cambodia and suggested direct communication with Thailand if discussions are to be held on December 22nd. He maintained that he did not promise China a ceasefire and stood by his initial conditions.
According to Thai News Agency, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaew disclosed receiving a phone call from Marco Rubio concerning the tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border. The US expressed concern over the potential escalation and showed interest in helping de-escalate the violence. Thailand, while ready to lower tensions, insisted that the initiative for a ceasefire must come from Cambodia, as Thailand was not the instigator. Sihasak stressed that Cambodia must first demonstrate a genuine ceasefire before negotiations can commence, emphasizing that a ceasefire requires concrete measures and monitoring, to be discussed by both nations' military authorities.
Sihasak outlined that Cambodia must first propose negotiations and implement a ceasefire to assure Thailand of its sincerity. Upon confirmation of sincerity, military personnel from both sides should collaborate to discuss ceasefire details, including start times and verification processes. He emphasized the necessity of detailed discussions over mere declarations to ensure compliance with any ceasefire agreement.
Sihasak confirmed that Rubio's call did not involve pressuring Thailand but was an expression of concern. He noted that Rubio spoke minimally, allowing Sihasak to outline Thailand's stance, which prioritizes de-escalation without unilateral action. Sihasak reiterated that Cambodia must communicate its intentions directly to Thailand, not via a third party. If Cambodia shows willingness to cease fire and engage in talks, it should cease hostilities a day prior to demonstrate sincerity, creating a conducive environment for military discussions. He added that a true ceasefire cannot be decreed by a third country but must be established by both involved parties.
Sihasak also reported Rubio's satisfaction with Thailand's position and mentioned an upcoming opportunity to address the border issue at the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on December 22nd. He expressed hope for positive developments from the meeting, emphasizing that Cambodia must communicate readiness to discuss directly with Thailand.
Regarding claims by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi about discussions on de-escalating tensions, Sihasak clarified that Thailand had not promised a ceasefire but reiterated its readiness to de-escalate. He emphasized the need for Cambodia to propose and demonstrate readiness for a ceasefire before detailed negotiations on its implementation can occur, stressing that an immediate ceasefire is not feasible.