CARETAKER Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said this evening (Dec. 26) after a meeting of the National Security Council that Defence Minister Gen. Nattapol Nakphanit will be signing a joint statement on a 72-hour ceasefire at the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting tomorrow and if the truce holds up the 18 Cambodian prisoners of war (PoWs) will be released, PPTVHDh36 and Amarin TV said.
He emphasized that the ceasefire must begin immediately upon the agreement being signed.
Should the Cambodian delegation led by Defence Minister Gen. Tea Seiha agree to the four points of the original agreement signed in Kuala Lumpur and witnessed by US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, that is withdrawal of troops and heavy weapons, landmine clearance, management of claimed territories, and combating scammers, the final document, the name of which is not important, will be signed.
The crucial point is the commitment to avoid aggression, provocation, and threats to national security, he said, adding Lt. Gen. Nattapong Praokaew, deputy chief of staff of the Thai armed forces and head of the Thai side of the GBC secretariat has been holding talks for two days and has reported positive trends.
When asked about the acceptance of the 72-hour ceasefire, Anutin said this is Thailand’s request and as Cambodia has accepted it, the neighbouring country should comply while Thailand would consider releasing the PoWs.
Asked whether Cambodia could be trusted, Anutin said while Thailand has demanded that Cambodia keep its promises the crucial question is whether Thailand has achieved its initial objectives with the military saying that the territorial integrity goal has been achieved.
“Once we control territories that were not previously ours, we can negotiate with them,” he said.
However, within half an hour of the GBC meeting ending, Khmer forces launched a surprise attack with BM-21 rockets at Prasat Ta Kwai ancient temple in Surin and Ban Nong Chan village in Sa Kaeo with the First Army Region saying three soldiers died and many got injured at the latter location. The deceased included one non-commissioned officer and two privates.
CAPTION:
Top and Front Page – Caretaker Prime Minister, centre, talking to reporters this evening, Dec. 26, 2025, and Defence Minister Gen. Nattapol Nakphanit on his right. Photos – Amarin TV
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