Bangkok: Prime Minister Sihasak Srimuang has disclosed that China has confirmed the antiquity of Cambodia’s heavy weapons and emphasized that Cambodia must initiate a ceasefire first. A special meeting addressing the Thai-Cambodian border situation is slated for December 22nd in Malaysia.

According to Thai News Agency, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaew shared insights on the Thai-Cambodian border issue, noting that the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs had submitted a letter to the United Nations following Cambodia’s earlier correspondence. However, the UN Security Council has yet to convene on this matter. On December 22nd, ASEAN Foreign Ministers are scheduled to gather in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for a special meeting to discuss the Thai-Cambodian border tensions.

In recent discussions with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak revealed that the Permanent Secretary communicated with the Chinese Ambassador, who expressed China’s desire for both nations to peacefully resolve their disputes. While Thailand is prepared for peace, a mutual ceasefire remains essential. Sihasak highlighted that although both nations claim readiness for a ceasefire, Cambodia has allegedly resumed firing after such declarations. Thailand maintains that the onus is on Cambodia to cease hostilities before further dialogue can occur.

On the matter of heavy weapons, Sihasak stated that China confirmed the obsolescence of the weapons in question and denied supplying Cambodia with new armaments. He mentioned that such weapons might have been acquired from various sources, stressing that Cambodia’s use of Chinese-origin weapons against Thailand warrants monitoring and discussion with Chinese authorities. Regarding reports of Cambodian mercenaries, Sihasak acknowledged the information but noted a lack of confirmation.

In recent conversations with US President Donald Trump, the Thai Foreign Minister confirmed that the topic of a ceasefire was not broached. He reiterated Thailand’s position that Cambodia must begin the ceasefire process. Consequently, any US announcement of a ceasefire, absent prior Thai discussion, is unfounded. Additionally, there was no indication of a pause in tariff negotiations during these discussions.