The US Interferes, Cambodian Border Tensions 'Thailand Enters The New Round

Illustration of the flag of the United States (Pixabay)

JAKARTA - Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Saturday 15 November, said they both discussed border tensions between the two countries in a separate phone call with US President Donald Trump on Friday.

The phone call was made "to discuss developments along the Cambodia-Thailand border, with the aim of continuing the implementation of the peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand," Hun Manet said on social media Facebook.

While thanking Trump for his "initiative" regarding the ceasefire and the Joint Declaration of Kuala Lumpur, Hun Manet also said "a strong commitment to Phnom Penh to uphold the spirit of the Joint Declaration of Kuala Lumpur."

He also expressed hope that the two parties would continue to work together in accordance with agreed bilateral principles and mechanisms.

On the other hand, Trump stressed his "clear position" that he wants to see lasting peace between Cambodia and Thailand, Hun Manet said.

"In this case, the President will continue to closely monitor this issue to ensure that there are no repeated armed clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand border," he added.

Cambodia maintains its stance to "resolution border issues peacefully, in accordance with previously agreed principles and mechanisms, in order to resolve the Cambodia-Thailand border problem and build lasting peace between the two countries," said Hun Manet.

On his Facebook account, Anutin said he had spoken to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Trump on Friday (14/11).

The Thai prime minister told Trump that "the two parties must comply with the mutually agreed commitments to allow peace to be achieved," according to a statement from Thailand's Foreign Ministry.

Anutin, stressing Bangkok's commitment to peace, also urged Cambodia to "recognize facts and take responsibility" for the mine explosion earlier this week.

Thailand accuses Cambodia of growing new explosives, as well as "mining disposal operations in 13 previously discussed areas."

He also said that "in the current situation, Thailand must have the right to take the necessary action to protect Thailand's sovereignty."

One civilian was killed and three others injured in cross-border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia on Wednesday (12/11), with both sides blaming each other, just days after Thailand suspended the peace pact.

The Southeast Asian countries signed the pact last month in Kuala Lumpur before US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

On July 28, Cambodia and Thailand after agreeing an unconditional ceasefire at a trilateral meeting organized by Anwar after weeks of hostilities.