PHNOM PENH: Deputy Prime Minister Tea Seiha, Minister of National Defence, has welcomed suggestions that a General Border Committee (GBC) meeting between Cambodian and Thai officials will take place in the near future.
Thai defence minister Adul Boonthamcharoen has said that the GBC secretariats of both nations are currently finalising several clauses before a meeting is scheduled, according to Wassana Nanuam, a high-profile social media figure with close links to the Thai army, who posted on social media on May 21.
Seiha said today, May 23, that the increased likelihood of a GBC meeting will strengthen mutual trust, reduce tensions and resolve relevant issues, through dialogue and peaceful means.
“Cambodia hopes that JBC (Joint Border Committee) and RBC (Regional Border Committee) meetings will be organised in quick succession to promote cooperation, build trust and ensure a stable situation along the border,” he said.
It has been almost five months since the last GBC meeting was held, between the defence ministers of the two neighbouring kingdoms on December 27. Since then, the ceasefire has held and 18 captured Cambodian soldiers have been released, but provocations have been reported on the ground, and around 32,000 Cambodian civilians remain displaced, with no access to their homes.
According to Nanuam, Boonthamcharoen has confirmed that Thai GBC secretariat team is working with the Cambodian side. The Thai minister said the meeting could lead to the possibility of reopening the border.
She said the Thai defence minister had emphasised that all actions must adhere to the Joint Statement (JS), while acknowledging that meetings are necessary to build understanding and reduce paranoia through dialogue at every level, including the RBC and GBC.
“Regarding the progress of the GBC meeting, the minister noted that the secretariats from both countries are currently in discussions. He believes the process is not difficult but reaffirmed that reopening border checkpoints will be the final step, depending on when the situation improves,” she said. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
