Thailand, Cambodia seek peace at border

Thailand and Cambodia have reaffirmed their commitment to peacefully resolving recent border disputes through existing bilateral mechanisms, vowing to continue negotiations under the framework of the Joint Boundary Commission.

The two countries agreed to reposition troops to alleviate tensions following a brief exchange of gunfire on May 28 at a disputed border area, which resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. Both sides agreed to hold a meeting of the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Boundary Commission on Saturday.

"This latest positive development is indeed a good sign," Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said at a news conference on Monday.

"It reflects the good intention of the Cambodian side to reduce tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border."

Thailand is committed to peace, security and safety of the people on both sides of the border, Maris said.

"We look forward to the cooperation and sincere determination of both sides to strengthen our bilateral relations and work out a peaceful and sustainable solution."

He also reviewed the two countries' collaboration on enhancing measures to combat transnational crime, such as human trafficking and telecom fraud, along the border, emphasizing the friendship between the two countries.

Also on Monday, the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense issued a statement confirming that Cambodian forces are conducting all military operations entirely within Cambodian territory. It stated that the Cambodian armed forces remain committed to supporting peaceful resolutions to border issues.

Positive result

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated in a post on X on Sunday that her discussion with the Cambodian government has led to a positive result.

The two countries will hold discussions at all levels to restore their relationship to normal as soon as possible, she said.

Meanwhile, Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen said in a post on Facebook on Sunday that adjusting military forces in conflict-prone areas through mutual understanding between military commanders from both Cambodia and Thailand is essential to preventing large-scale violent clashes.

"The people of both Cambodia and Thailand genuinely desire lasting peace and do not wish to see war," he said.

"Efforts to find a resolution through dialogue have taken place at all levels — from the government to frontline military commanders — and are now bearing fruit."

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed on Monday that the government continues to pursue cooperation with Thailand to advance the measurement, demarcation and placement of border markers along the remaining sections of the shared boundary through the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission, reported Cambodian news agency AKP.

In addition, both countries reiterated their calls for the public and media professionals to rely exclusively on official and verified sources of information, as these provide accurate, credible and trustworthy accounts.

Despite their agreement to pursue negotiations for a peaceful solution, local media reported that the two countries have maintained a restriction allowing their citizens to stay in each other's country for only seven days — a reduction from the usual 60-day arrangement.

Xinhua contributed to this story.

yangwanli@chinadaily.com.cn