Chanthaburi: Prime Minister Sihasak Srimuang reiterated Thailand's position, asserting that the country is confident it has never initiated any aggression. He stated that Cambodia must be genuinely ready to cease fire, not merely declare a ceasefire and then appeal to the international community to pressure Thailand.
According to Thai News Agency, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaew addressed the General Border Committee meeting in Chanthaburi, stating that Cambodia has announced its readiness for a ceasefire and has publicly declared this to all countries. This has created pressure on Thailand to adopt a ceasefire as well. A ceasefire isn't achieved through a mere declaration, but through discussions on measures to ensure a genuine ceasefire, and where it must occur. Thailand, in turn, has conditions that need to be discussed. Cambodia's past strategy has involved expressing a willingness to cease fire, which they then announced to the international community, leading to questions about why Thailand hasn't. Thailand has explained that a ceasefire is crucial and requires dialogue between both sides. For example, at ASEAN meetings, they didn't pressure Thailand; they simply requested that both countries, including Cambodia, engage in discussions, rather than Thailand relying on international confirmation.
Regarding the statement by General Natthaphol Nakpanich, the Minister of Defence, that foreign countries don't trust Thailand but trust Cambodia more, how will we respond? Mr. Sihasak said that we must explain the situation to them. However, if they don't understand us, we must understand ourselves. This is very important. We must have a firm stance. When we have a stance that we will not invade their territory, that we desire peace, and that a true ceasefire, we hope they will understand us as well. Our friendly nations should also understand and listen to us. Therefore, we don't need to worry too much about anything else. We will just continue doing our part, confident in our stance and confident in ourselves.