Bangkok: "Sihasak" awaits the new government's explanation to parliament regarding the cancellation of MOU 44, reiterating that Cambodia's request to hold a Joint Border Committee (JBC) forum must first involve cooperation in mine clearance and ensuring the area is safe.
According to Thai News Agency, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaew, in an interview after the Cabinet meeting, addressed Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet's post suggesting negotiations with Thailand after Songkran regarding the reclamation of border areas. He stated that Prime Minister Hun Manet proposed a meeting of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Commission (JBC), emphasizing that the negotiations must remain within the established framework, and the issue of reclaiming the border areas must be discussed at the meeting to move forward with border demarcation. He added that they would have to wait until a new government takes office to consider when Thailand would be ready for the JBC meeting. The Prime Minister's desire for negotiations stems from the recent fighting.
Regarding mine clearance and combating scammers, this is irrelevant to this meeting because it is something the Cambodian side is already obligated to handle as a result of the ceasefire agreement. If Cambodia is not ready for mine clearance but Thailand is, Cambodia must cooperate with us. Similarly, scammers operate globally, not just between Thailand and Cambodia. Therefore, Cambodia must take this matter seriously, as they know which side is behind these processes. If Cambodia wants a Joint Border Committee (JBC) meeting and to proceed with border demarcation, they must first clear landmines to ensure the area's safety. The meeting shouldn't focus solely on Cambodia's specific issues; there are other matters that need to be discussed.
Mr. Sihasak said that the role of the JBC committee is to demarcate borders according to international law. Regarding progress on the cancellation of MOU 44, he said to wait for the government's policy statement to parliament, adding that there has been some discussion about whether this should be a matter for the new government.