Thailand Suggests Malaysia Host Key Border Security Meeting With Cambodia

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 Thailand says the general border committee meeting should be held on neutral ground.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim with Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet (left) and Thailand’s acting prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai after Monday’s meeting in Putrajaya. (Bernama pic)PETALING JAYA: Thailand has proposed Malaysia as the neutral venue for the upcoming general border committee (GBC) meeting with Cambodia
Thailand’s defence ministry spokesman Surasan Kongsiri said the proposal was in line with the standard international practice of not holding meetings between disputing parties on the territory of one of the nations involved in the conflict, Bernama reported.
“The GBC meeting provides an opportunity to jointly explore a way forward in de-escalating tensions and resolving border and security issues, reflecting our shared commitment to peace, stability, mutual respect, and good neighbourliness,” he said in a statement issued in Bangkok.
Surasan said given the sensitive nature of the situation in both countries, it would be more appropriate to hold the meeting at a neutral venue, such as Malaysia.
“While it is acknowledged that, under normal circumstances, bilateral meetings are held on a rotational basis – and that Thailand most recently served as host – this upcoming session is of an extraordinary nature.
“I therefore believe it would be appropriate to convene the meeting at a neutral location,” he said.
Thailand’s acting defence minister Natthapon Nakpanich is slated to attend the GBC meeting, which Cambodia has proposed to host on Aug 4.
Surasan said sufficient time should be given for comprehensive discussions and suggested that the meeting be held from Aug 4 to 7.
On Monday, Cambodia and Thailand agreed to a ceasefire following deadly clashes along their border.
The agreement was reached at a meeting attended by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet, and Thailand’s acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai.
More than 35 people have been killed and over 270,000 displaced in both countries since the latest round of hostilities erupted on July 24. - FMT

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