Peacemaker: Zahid meeting Anutin at the Government House of Thailand, during his three-day working visit to Bangkok. — Bernama
Zahid calls for return to diplomatic channels
PETALING JAYA: Concerns about rising tensions over the renewed border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia were discussed directly with the Thai Prime Minister, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
During a meeting with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at the 14th Meeting of Asean Ministers on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication in Bangkok yesterday, the Deputy Prime Minister said he asked Thailand to return to diplomatic channels to resolve the matter.
“Malaysia is deeply concerned about the current situation and hopes all efforts toward a resolution can be carried out for the safety of civilians and stability of the region.
“I stated that all parties must prioritise the safety of the people and return to diplomatic channels and adherence to international law to ease the increasingly worrying situation,” said Ahmad Zahid.
He said Malaysia also hoped both countries would remain committed to ensuring the ceasefire is respected and fully implementing the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord to guarantee the safety of communities on both sides of the border.
Since the reignited border conflict, more than 500,000 people have fled their homes to safety in Thailand and Cambodia, surpassing the total number evacuated earlier this year.
The border conflict also led Cambodia to withdraw from the South-East Asian Games on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Malaysian citizens in Cambodia are advised to avoid non-essential travel to certain areas for safety reasons.
The Malaysian Embassy in Phnom Penh said Malaysians should not travel to Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang and Pursat Provinces until further notice.
The embassy urged Malaysians in Cambodia to strictly follow instructions and advisories.
This week’s clashes are the deadliest since five days of fighting in July that killed dozens before a shaky truce was agreed last month.
Both sides blame each other for sparking the renewed clashes, which on Tuesday expanded to five provinces of both Thailand and Cambodia.
In an unrelated matter, the Deputy Prime Minister said Malaysia and Thailand were committed to strengthening cooperation in cross-border disaster response and preparedness, as well as in other industries.
“As agreed previously, both countries will enhance the sharing of meteorological data, early warning systems, inter-agency coordination and joint training to face risks of floods, storms and other disasters that are becoming more challenging due to climate change,” he said.
“During this meeting, Malaysia and Thailand also discussed the potential expansion of cooperation in the field of technical and vocational education and training, particularly skills training in the manufacturing, agriculture, and digital technology sectors, as well as student and lecturer mobility programmes.
“In addition, both countries agreed to cooperate in the halal industry, including the development of the halal value chain, investment in halal products and joint export opportunities.”
