IN A MAJOR change in tense Thai-Cambodian relations, Khmer Prime Minister Hun Manet has both sent signals and clearly indicated his intention to return to negotiating table with Thailand, both directly or bilaterally with this being closely watched and heavily criticised by the Khmer opposition, TV Channel 7 said this afternoon (April 14).
This time, it is very clear that this is not diplomatic double talk but a genuine expression of his vision to pursue a peaceful path as indicated by a report in Phnom Penh Post newspaper on Sunday (April 12) where he stated that while pursuing a case on three disputed border temples and another area at the International Court of Justice is one avenue, bilateral mechanism is faster and more efficient, sparing people living along the border a lengthy waiting period.
Hun Manet also pointed to the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Lebanon conflict as examples of border conflicts leading to years of bloodshed.
He added that the Joint Border Committee has proven capable of resolving disputes between the two countries , as evidenced by the fact that out of 74 border markers along an 874-kilometre stretch, both countries have agreed on installing 43 of them, or more than 50 percent.
However, former Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy heavily criticised this move, mentioning that after 40 years in power and 24 years of bilateral negotiations through the Joint Border Committee, nothing had improved in their country.
He pointed out that past conflicts had resulted in both military and diplomatic defeats, and wondered what terms could be used to negotiate with Thailand to return territory so for this reason the case in the International Court of Justice should be pursued.
In the programme “Things to Discuss,” Assistant Professor Wanwichit Boonproong, a lecturer at Rangsit University’s Faculty of Political Science and Mr. Songrit Phonngern, an expert on the Mekong River Basin countries, discussed Cambodia’s stance and movements, with both concurring that there would not be any fighting for at least six months with this being due to several reasons, including unfavorable weather, the global situation, the oil crisis, a lack of global interest in the Thai-Cambodian conflict, and the declining support for former prime minister Hun Sen’s family.
Songrit added that his investigation revealed that the concession to Thailand also stemmed from preparations for local elections next year. Failure to achieve tangible results could trigger a domino effect, impacting the general elections in 2028.
At the same time, Ms, Wassana Nanuam, Bangkok Post’s senior news reporter covering military affairs, said in a Facebook post that Hun Sen had sent a close associate to discuss key issues with the Thai military and acknowledged mistakes stemming from the leaked conversation with former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra that led to her immediately ouster by the Constitutional Court.
He expressed a desire to restore relations with Thailand and asked if ties could revert back to better days before last year’s conflict. However he said the Thai military refused while confirming that Cambodia does not want a third border battle with Thailand.
He requested that the border crossings in Trat and Chanthaburi be reopened so that goods could go across again as his country is facing various economic problems.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Insert – Former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen. All photos – Amarin TV
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