Latest news with #Natthaphon
Bangkok Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Thailand and Cambodia sign 13-point ceasefire agreement
Thailand and Cambodia have reached a landmark agreement on a 13-point ceasefire plan aimed at de-escalating tensions along their shared border and fostering peace between the two nations. The agreement was formalised on Thursday afternoon during a special ministerial session of the General Border Committee (GBC) in Kuala Lumpur, which followed three days of intensive official-level negotiations. Leading the Thai delegation was Deputy Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit, in his capacity as acting defence minister because the top position remains vacant. He was joined by his Cambodian counterpart, Gen Tea Seiha. Also present were international observers from China, the United States and Malaysia in its capacity as the chair of Asean this year. The Malaysian Chief of Defence Forces acted as a facilitator for the talks, symbolising a neutral stance between the two nations. After more than an hour of discussion, Thailand and Cambodia unanimously endorsed the 13-point ceasefire protocol. The new framework builds upon a prior 7-point agreement discussed at the regional military command level, and was developed collaboratively by Thai agencies and the Cambodian GBC Secretariat. It includes key provisions such as: A complete and unconditional ceasefire Protective measures for civilians A freeze on troop reinforcements and movements Facilitation of the return of displaced individuals The establishment of a bilateral rapid coordination team, with four representatives from each side, to ensure continuous communication and immediate conflict resolution Commitments to refrain from provocations, violations of agreements, or territorial intrusions. The full English text of the agreement can be found here. Both sides expressed hope that the accord would lead to lasting peace and stability along the border, fostering harmonious coexistence between the peoples of the two nations. Gen Natthaphon and Gen Tea Seiha formally signed the document, reflecting the consensus reached over three days of discussions. Thailand also reaffirmed its support for bilateral mechanisms as a means of resolving disputes effectively and peacefully. Gen Natthaphon earlier in the day paid a courtesy call on Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya after his arrival in Kuala Lumpur. The Thai side expressed appreciation for Malaysia's role as the Asean chair and its ongoing support in promoting regional peace — particularly through its facilitation of the GBC discussions. During the meeting, Thailand reiterated its firm stance on resolving border conflicts through peaceful means, upholding international law, and maintaining mutual respect for national sovereignty, said government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub. Also participating in the GBC meeting with their Cambodian counterparts were Gen Songwit Noonpakdee, Chief of Defence Forces; Gen Thongchai Rodyoiy, Army Chief of Staff; Adm Phairoj Fueangchan, Navy Chief of Staff; and ACM Watcharapol Muangnoi, Air Force Chief of Staff. They were joined by officials from the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior, along with representatives from key national security agencies. (Story continues below) Asean observers The defence officials agreed to allow observers from Asean to inspect disputed border areas and help ensure that hostilities do not resume following a violent five-day conflict that ended in a ceasefire on July 28. The worst fighting in over a decade included exchanges of artillery fire and jet fighter bombing runs that claimed at least 43 lives — military and civilian — and displaced more than 300,000 people on both sides of the border. Fighting continued despite diplomatic interventions from China and Malaysia, both calling for restraint. The leaders of Cambodia and Thailand only came to the negotiating table when US President Donald Trump told them that tariff negotiations would not continue unless there was peace. 'There will be an observation team of Asean military attaches based in Thailand and Cambodia, led by Malaysia,' Gen Nattaphon told reporters at a press conference after the meeting, adding that foreign inspectors based in either country would not cross the border. 'Thailand and Cambodia are neighbours with a shared border that can move away from each other … a resolution will allow our people to return to peaceful lives,' he said. Thailand and Cambodia said in a joint statement that they would hold more talks in two weeks and then again in a month.
The Star
5 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
