BANGKOK, Sept 12 (TNA) – Thailand’s Foreign Ministry on Friday confirmed that border crossings with Cambodia would remain closed until three key conditions are met.
The ministry stated that significant progress must be made on the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the border area, demining efforts, and a joint crackdown on online scammers.
Nikorndej Balankura, Foreign Ministry spokesperson, announced the outcomes of a special meeting of the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee (GBC) in Koh Kong, Cambodia on Sept 10.
The Thai side is pleased with the meeting’s results. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to a ceasefire agreement and agreed on several important issues. This is a significant step forward, particularly on issues that Thailand has consistently pushed for, such as humanitarian demining and the suppression of online crime, he said.
A joint working group on demining will be established within one week to create a demining plan and designate a pilot area, with operations to begin within one month.
For the anti-scamming efforts, the meeting assigned the Ministries of Interior and the National Police Agencies of both countries to form a working group within a week to draft a joint action plan. Thailand has already provided Cambodia with data and coordinates for over 60 scammer locations.
He reiterated the stance of Acting Defence Minister Gen. Natthapol Nakpanich, stating that “there will be no border reopening at this time, nor will there be any leniency on goods transport, unless there is significant progress” on the three conditions.
He added that the success of these negotiations hinged on Cambodia’s sincerity in implementing the agreements, which Thailand will monitor closely. The next special GBC meeting will be hosted by Thailand in 30 days. – 819 (TNA)
