Thai PM thanks Anwar for offer to assist in border dispute
BANGKOK: Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has discussed the Thai-Cambodia border situation with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in a phone call on Friday, where Anwar expressed readiness to assist both sides in resolving the dispute.
"Thank you, PM Anwar Ibrahim, for the call this afternoon to discuss the Thai-Cambodian border situation and to express readiness to help both sides resolve the matter. I reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to a peaceful resolution through existing bilateral mechanisms while safeguarding our sovereignty in accordance with international law," she stated on her official X account.
Malaysia, as the current Asean chair, is closely monitoring developments on the border issue.
Earlier on Friday, after chairing a National Security Council meeting, Paetongtarn announced Thailand had established a special task force to address security concerns along its border with Cambodia.
She said the army had been assigned to coordinate operations and maintain readiness to respond to any developments, prioritising sovereignty protection while ensuring international relations and national security.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Supreme Commander General Songwit Noonpakdee, National Security Council Chief Chatchai Bangchuad, and the military's commanders-in-chief.
On May 28, Thai and Cambodian troops engaged in a brief gunfight in Thailand's north-eastern Ubon Ratchathani province and Cambodia's northern Preah Vihear province, where one Cambodian soldier was reportedly killed.
Cambodia has since announced its intention to bring the border dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Meanwhile, both countries have agreed to discuss the issue through the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), which is set to meet in Phnom Penh on June 14.– BERNAMA
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