Thailand open to ceasefire but seeks clarification from Cambodia
Phumtham, who is also Interior Minister, said he spoke with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who called on Thursday evening and has offered to act as a mediator for a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia.
Thailand, he said, agrees in principle with the offer but stressed that Cambodia must first demonstrate a clear and sincere commitment.
"We have no objection, but for a ceasefire to happen, there must be clarity. We've been trying to achieve this all along, but to no avail," Phumtham said at a press conference on the Thailand-Cambodia border situation on Friday.
He revealed that he had asked Anwar to ensure there is a concrete commitment and guarantees that similar incidents would not recur.
"Only then can we consider the next steps. For now, our military remains on high alert," he said.
On Thursday, Anwar in his capacity as current Asean Chair has called Phumtham and Cambodian Premier Hun Manet, appealing to them for an immediate ceasefire and return to peaceful dialogue to resolve the ongoing border dispute.
Anwar said Malaysia stands ready to assist and facilitate this process in the spirit of Asean unity and shared responsibility.
Thai and Cambodian forces clashed early Thursday in a disputed border area, with both sides accusing each other of initiating the latest round of violence.
The latest round of hostility followed a skirmish between troops of the two countries near the Preah Vihear area on May 28. A Cambodian soldier was killed in the shootout.
The two neighbouring countries have been locked in recurring diplomatic spats over a long-standing border dispute. - Bernama
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