Latest news with #MOU2000
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Thai Deputy Defence Minister: Cambodia's General Border Committee talks ‘genuine' ahead of Thursday (Aug 7) conclusion
BANGKOK: Deputy Defence Minister Gen Natthaphon Narkphanit confirmed on Wednesday (Aug 6) that Cambodia's GBC discussions have been sincere, with a final decision expected on Thursday (Aug 7). Natthaphon shared his insights before a meeting with the National Security Council (NSC) and the Cabinet's special session regarding the ongoing discussions within the General Border Committee (GBC) with Cambodia. He noted that initial proposals had been agreed upon, with further clarification requested to ensure they align with NSC approvals. Natthaphon confirmed that Cambodia had accepted the proposals. When asked about the previous ceasefire agreement, which still experiences occasional challenges, he emphasised Cambodia's sincerity in adhering to the truce. He explained that the ceasefire had progressed through three levels of sincerity. The first level was successfully reached through an agreement at the Secretary-General level, while the upcoming meeting between the Defence Ministers of both countries on August 7 will assess the second level of sincerity. The third level will be determined by the actual implementation of the agreement. Natthaphon expressed optimism about the progress, with positive discussions taking place in recent days, and plans to review further details on Aug 7. He assured the public that the country's sovereignty and national interests remain a priority in the talks, which also cover other crucial issues such as civilian compensation and border disputes. When asked about the conditions Cambodia wanted to reconsider, Natthaphon replied that he was not yet aware of them and would wait for the meeting to clarify further. He mentioned that following the GBC meeting, subsequent discussions with other committees would likely be easier. One key mechanism is the Regional Border Committee (RBC) on troop adjustments and the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) on border issues. Natthaphon added that Cambodia had long avoided discussing border matters directly, preferring to take them to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). However, talks on this matter are ongoing. When asked why Thailand has not cancelled MOU 2000 if Cambodia is seeking to bring the matter to ICJ, Natthaphon explained that MOU 2000 still holds value. It allows Thailand to hold Cambodia accountable on the international stage for violating the terms of the agreement. Without MOU 2000, there would be no reference framework to accuse Cambodia—only allegations without a solid legal basis. When asked whether he was concerned that the discussions on the following day would not conclude, Natthaphon admitted to initial concerns. However, after receiving confirmation from the Secretariat before their return that everything was in order, his worries eased. He stressed, however, that the final details should be heard in person rather than over the phone. Natthaphon also reaffirmed that the ceasefire agreement still stands with the same eight points, but there are six other related issues. Based on recent discussions, Cambodia has agreed to all proposals. He added that despite reports from Cambodian media suggesting reluctance to accept the terms, these matters are not problematic. The discussions have been documented, and it is important to stick to the agreed documents to avoid misunderstandings. Natthaphon welcomed the presence of third-party observers during the talks, as they serve as witnesses to the agreement. However, he acknowledged that the involvement of multiple parties could be counterproductive, as bilateral talks are preferred. - The Nation/ANN
AsiaOne
18-06-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
Thousands of Cambodians join government rally as border dispute with Thailand intensifies, Asia News
BANGKOK/PHNOM PENH — Thousands of Cambodians joined a state-organised march in its capital on Wednesday (June 18) to support the government in an ongoing border dispute with Thailand triggered by the death of a Cambodian soldier last month. The two neighbours share an 820-km land border, parts of which are undemarcated and include ancient temples that both sides have contested for decades. The rally comes days after officials held talks in Phnom Penh in a bid to ease tensions. Though talks were inconclusive, both sides pledge to continue dialogue. Marchers shouted slogans, waved the Cambodian flag and held portraits of the Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father, the influential former Prime Minister Hun Sen. Monks and students were seen at the rally, led by deputy premier Hun Many, the prime minister's brother. "Cambodia's land! We won't take others' land, we keep our land!" some chanted. On Wednesday, Cambodia's defence ministry said that Thailand had again violated its sovereignty. "Thailand has increased activities in the area, including drone flights, trench digging, and troop deployments along the border," the statement said. Thailand rejected the accusation. "These trenches are located well within Thai sovereign territory, and therefore, we refute any allegation that we violated the MOU 2000," foreign ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said, referring to a memorandum of understanding signed in 2000 aimed at resolving border disputes. "Thailand has not increased activities in the area along the border," he added. Although both governments have pledged to calm nationalist fervour and handle the issue through dialogue, Bangkok has tightened its borders and threatened to cut off electricity supplies to its neighbour. Phnom Penh announced it would cease buying Thai electric power, internet bandwidth and produce. It has also ordered local television stations not to screen Thai films. On the weekend, Cambodia said it had brought the four disputed areas to the International Court of Justice. Thailand has repeatedly said it does not recognise the court's jurisdiction and would only use bilateral mechanisms, with the next meeting slated for September. Cambodia has twice successfully sought ICJ resolutions, in 1962 on the ownership of the disputed 11th-century Hindu Preah Vihear temple and in 2013, after it sought clarification of jurisdiction of the land around the temple. Tensions escalated in 2008 over Preah Vihear, leading to skirmishes over several years and at least a dozen deaths, some during a week-long exchange of artillery in 2011. Both countries have for more than a century contested sovereignty at undemarcated points along their shared border, which was mapped by France in 1907 when Cambodia was its colony. [[nid:718862]]
The Star
18-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Thousands of Cambodians join government rally as border dispute with Thailand intensifies
Cambodians hold national flags and a portrait of Cambodia's Hun Sen as they attend a "Solidarity March" to support the government's decision to deploy the army at the disputed Thailand-Cambodia border, following a clash at the border on May 28, 2025, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, June 18, 2025. REUTERS/Chantha Lach BANGKOK/PHNOM PENH (Reuters) -Thousands of Cambodians joined a state-organised march in its capital on Wednesday to support the government in an ongoing border dispute with Thailand triggered by the death of a Cambodian soldier last month. The two neighbours share an 820-km (510-mile) land border, parts of which are undemarcated and include ancient temples that both sides have contested for decades. The rally comes days after officials held talks in Phnom Penh in a bid to ease tensions. Though talks were inconclusive, both sides pledge to continue dialogue. Marchers shouted slogans, waved the Cambodian flag and held portraits of the Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father,the influential former Prime Minister Hun Sen. Monks and students were seen at the rally, led by deputy premier Hun Many, the prime minister's brother. "Cambodia's land! We won't take others' land, we keep our land!" some chanted. On Wednesday, Cambodia's defence ministry said that Thailand had again violated its sovereignty. "Thailand has increased activities in the area, including drone flights, trench digging, and troop deployments along the border,"the statement said. Thailand rejected the accusation. "These trenches are located well within Thai sovereign territory, and therefore, we refute any allegation that we violated the MOU 2000," foreign ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said, referring to a memorandum of understanding signed in 2000 aimed at resolving border disputes. "Thailand has not increased activities in the area along the border," he added. Although both governments have pledged to calm nationalist fervour and handle the issue through dialogue, Bangkok has tightened its borders and threatened to cut off electricity supplies to its neighbour. Phnom Penh announced it would cease buying Thai electric power, internet bandwidth and produce. It has also ordered local television stations not to screen Thai films. On the weekend, Cambodiasaid it had brought the four disputed areas to the International Court of Justice. Thailand has repeatedly said it does not recognise the court's jurisdiction and would only use bilateral mechanisms, with the next meeting slated for September. Cambodia has twice successfully sought ICJ resolutions, in 1962 on the ownership of the disputed 11th-century Hindu Preah Vihear temple and in 2013, after it sought clarification of jurisdiction of the land around the temple. Tensions escalated in 2008 over Preah Vihear, leading to skirmishes over several years and at least a dozen deaths, some during a week-long exchange of artillery in 2011. Both countries have for more than a century contested sovereignty at undemarcated points along their shared border, which was mapped by France in 1907 when Cambodia was its colony. (Reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng and Panu Wongcha-um in Bangkok and Chantha Lach in Phnom Penh; Editing by David Stanway)
