FILE PHOTO: The ICRC visiting the Cambodian prisoners of war on Sept 4, 2025. Thailand's Foreign Minister says the four-party talks made progress on drafting a joint declaration on Thai-Cambodian relations, stressing Thailand has yet to release 18 Cambodian prisoners pending clear action plans and agreed measures. - The Nation/ANN
BANGKOK: Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said that the four-party meeting between Malaysia, the United States, Thailand, and Cambodia in Kuala Lumpur on Friday (Oct 17) had made tangible progress in drafting a declaration on Thai-Cambodian relations, which sets out frameworks for resolving bilateral issues and restoring normal relations between the two countries.
He said the discussions were “serious and straightforward,” particularly on key points reaffirmed by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who stressed Thailand’s commitment to four conditions for normalising relations:
Withdrawal of heavy weaponry;
Joint clearance of landmines along the border;
Crackdown on transnational criminal activities, particularly online scams; and
Resolution of border encroachment issues.
Sihasak noted that the talks between Thailand and Cambodia had already reached an agreement on troop withdrawal and mine clearance, with detailed plans to be discussed at the upcoming Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee (GBC) meeting on October 20–21.
The meeting will also cover transnational crime suppression and border encroachment, with both sides agreeing that problems must be solved peacefully and in earnest.
He added that the draft declaration reflects both nations’ intent to act jointly, but Thailand insists that clear action plans and measurable steps are essential. “We want to go further than just agreeing in principle — we need confidence that both sides will implement what’s agreed,” Sihasak said.
When asked whether the release of 18 Cambodian prisoners of war was discussed, Sihasak explained that Thailand aims to build trust with Cambodia but reiterated that the declaration stipulates actions must precede any consideration of prisoner release.
The matter will be reviewed after the GBC meeting on October 20–21, after which both Defence Ministers are expected to endorse the document and submit it to Thailand’s Cabinet for internal approval.
Regarding reports from Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn claiming that Thailand had agreed to release 18 Cambodian soldiers immediately after the signing, Sihasak stressed that the release process is included in the declaration but must proceed in accordance with specific steps.
“Once those steps are carried out, the release of prisoners will be part of that process,” he said, adding, “After that, we can start looking ahead to measures that will build mutual trust between the two sides.”
He also revealed that Malaysia and the United States would like the declaration to be signed during the upcoming Asean Summit in Malaysia, which US President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend.
Sihasak concluded that the October 17 four-party talks achieved progress on the declaration and laid the groundwork for detailed planning at the upcoming GBC meeting in Kuala Lumpur.
“The talks went well — both sides were sincere and constructive. Thailand made clear that Cambodia must demonstrate genuine commitment, and Cambodia responded positively, showing willingness to move forward together,” he said. - The Nation/ANN
