New york: Sihasak reiterates Thailand’s commitment to peace, refutes Cambodia’s statement, sees opportunity to put Thailand on the global radar. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow gave an interview before returning from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, USA. He addressed the statement, the issue of the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, and Thailand’s role at the United Nations (UN).
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sihasak stated that his trip to the UNGA aims to show countries that Thailand’s foreign affairs are driving the country forward and that Thailand will play an important role on the world stage. Although this government will only be in office for four months, he will use this time meaningfully.
Regarding the situation between Thailand and Cambodia, Mr. Sihasak stated that he originally intended to use a statement at the UNGA to express his desire to see a solution to this problem. This was due to the recent meeting in Malaysia, where a ceasefire agreement was reached, and the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, which resulted in agreements on maintaining the ceasefire, clearing mines, withdrawing heavy weapons, and combating transnational crime. Thailand’s goal is to create security and bring peace to the border. If both sides are sincere and committed to making these agreements concrete, he believes Thailand will take steps to improve relations.
However, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhon delivered a statement at the UNGA, which Sihasak said contradicted what he had said during earlier talks, which emphasized both countries’ focus on dialogue and trust. Cambodia continued to present unilateral information and sought to gain an advantage in the international arena, attempting to turn bilateral issues into international issues. For example, Prak accused Thailand of initiating the conflict and the latest clashes, which was untrue. He therefore adjusted his statement to address the UNGA to clarify that Cambodia’s constant practice of distorting the facts in an attempt to portray itself as a victim. He stated in his statement that the real victims were Thais, such as Thai soldiers who stepped on landmines, students in schools attacked, and ordinary civilians affected by Cambodian attacks.
Mr. Sihasak explained the origins of the Nong Chan village incident to the UNGA meeting, stating that Thailand opened its borders to Cambodians fleeing the civil war. After the war ended, Thailand repeatedly tried to persuade Cambodians to move back, but Cambodia refused to listen. This was the root of the problem. The statement then asked Cambodia which path our two countries would take: conflict or peace. It was up to Cambodia to decide which path to choose, but Thailand chose peace.
During this four-party meeting between the United States, Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia, Mr. Sihasak explained that the meeting was a U.S. initiative, and that Thailand was open to any major power wanting to play a constructive role in this matter. It was a straightforward, non-binding meeting, and Thailand told the meeting that it wanted to see progress on what had been discussed and agreed upon. Malaysia, as chair of the meeting, agreed that Thailand and Cambodia must talk amongst themselves, not appeal to the international community. Ultimately, the issue between Thailand and Cambodia is a matter between the two countries, or at most, ASEAN. We should resolve the issues within our region.
As for how the new Thai government will implement policy regarding the Thai-Cambodian border situation, Mr. Sihasak reaffirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the security sector are moving in the same direction and must speak with one voice. Diplomacy and the military must work in the same direction. During this time when diplomacy is still unable to progress due to the unfavorable situation, we must support the military’s operations. We must explain to the international community the reasons for these events. He hopes that one day the diplomatic space will open up more, allowing for negotiations to seek mutual benefits and move forward. However, Cambodia must also cooperate for this to be beneficial. Ultimately, Thailand and Cambodia must remain neighbors. However, we must prioritize the interests of our people.
Regarding the overall picture of this meeting, which marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN, Mr. Sihasak explained that this is a time when the UN’s role is severely limited because the world is changing. Countries may forget about international rules or the importance of international cooperation. Therefore, we must seriously consider how to help the UN play a greater role. Ultimately, it is up to member states to uphold international cooperation and international rules. At this meeting, we expressed our desire to strengthen the multilateral system. The heart of multilateralism is the UN and its various organizations, which Thailand wants to support. However, it also depends on all countries, especially superpowers, recognizing the importance of cooperation within the UN framework so that we can move forward together.
Asked how to re-engage Thailand on the global radar amid the turmoil of the multilateral and geopolitical systems, Mr. Sihasak stated that this is partly up to us. If Thai politics becomes more stable and the domestic economy improves, the government is currently taking short-term measures, but it is not neglecting long-term foundations, such as restructuring and finding new dynamics to drive the economy, such as the digital economy, the green economy, renewable energy, and developing industries with potential. He emphasized to the US business sector that the Thai government will use the four months meaningfully, addressing immediate issues and driving Thailand forward. Thailand also presents an opportunity for them to invest more.