PRIME Minister Anutin Charnvirakul today (June 19) revealed that he held a brief conversation with his Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet during the Special Asean-Russia Summit and Asean-Russia Business Forum being held in the Russian city Kazan with both affirming that neither side wanted conflict and that the Thai government is committed to moving forward with Unclos, Amarin TV and PPTVHD36 said.
Cambodia had registered Memorandum of Understanding 2544 (MOU44) between the two neighbouring countries on border demarcation and working towards joint offshore energy exploration under United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) before Thailand cancelled it with both countries having ratified the convention.
Anutin said the meeting with Hun Manet took place in his hotel room and he mentioned Thailand’s position and stance outlining the actions the country would take within Unclos mechanism. He also mentioned Thailand’s position on negotiations within other frameworks including the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) and the General Border Committee (GBC).
However, he stated if Unclos arbitration led to a mandatory compromise, with the words “compulsory” and “compromise” used, Thailand would suspend the negotiations because the Thai government has already established its approach.
“I emphasized that we are prepared and continue monitoring our borders at all times,” he said.
Asked whether the two of them discussed any specific issues, Anutin replied that there was not much time with this encounter being akin to “pulling each other aside by the elbow” but implied that both sides had prepared for the diplomatic etiquette of such a meeting and that it was not unexpected.
Pressed further whether Hun Manet had clarified anything regarding movements on the Cambodian side of the border, Anutin said the Cambodian leader, like himself, did not want a conflict.
However, he acknowledged that the situation was disheartening for the Thai people with Hun Manet also expressing similar sentiments.
“We must find a way forward. Currently, we have proposed discussions within other frameworks, but they chose the mandatory compromise approach. We have appointed our representatives – if we like it, we accept it; if we don’t like it, we don’t accept it.”
Asked if they had discussed reopening border crossings, Anutin laughed and said, “Please don’t ask about this. I’m not going to touch this topic. If I were to talk about it, Thai people would be furious. No way.”
On Ukraine having mounted a heavy drone attack on Moscow and surrounding areas during the summit, Anutin said the Russian authorities had warned attendees to be cautious.
He confirmed that Thai citizens in Russia are safe and that he has instructed the Thai embassy in Moscow to provide full support should an emergency arise having also discussed this matter with Thai Ambassador Sasiwat Wongsinsawat.
CAPTIONS:
Top – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, centre, with Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, left, and an unidentified Russian official, right, attending the Special Asean-Russia Summit. Photo – Amarin TV
Insert – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the summit. Photo – Thai Foreign Ministry
Front Page – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, second right, at this summit. Photo – Thai Foreign Ministry
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