Thailand sets conditions for negotiations with Cambodia

Bangkok [Thailand], December 17: The Thai Foreign Ministry has outlined three conditions that Cambodia must meet before beginning peace talks amid heightened border tensions between the two countries.
Yesterday, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura stated that discussions on a ceasefire depend on the actions of both countries, according to the Khmer Times . He emphasized that Thailand would only participate in dialogue if it saw genuine commitment and mutual understanding, and outlined Bangkok's three conditions. These included Cambodia publicly declaring a ceasefire first, followed by a sincere and verifiable commitment to peace, and finally, cooperation between the two sides in demining affected areas along the border.
Nikorndej emphasized that Thailand is ready for dialogue but cannot do so without concrete actions demonstrating sincerity. "Peace negotiations are based on trust, and trust must be built through actions, not words," the spokesperson said.
On the same day, Deputy Spokesperson of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maratee Nalita Andamo, stated that a ceasefire must be a practical and sustainable action, not just a temporary halt followed by a resurgence of violence.
Cambodia has not commented on the above statements. Thailand has set conditions amid uncertainty surrounding the prospect of de-escalation, with both countries continuing to accuse each other of hostilities. The regional and international community has called for restraint, but so far there has been no confirmation of a ceasefire or peace talks.
US President Donald Trump has warned of tariffs if the two countries do not cease fire. Last week, Trump spoke by phone with the leaders of both countries and said they agreed to a 24-hour ceasefire, reinstating the joint peace declaration signed in Malaysia in October. However, fighting continued afterward, raising questions about the effectiveness of US pressure.
"Nobody is putting pressure on us. Who is pressuring whom? I don't know," Reuters quoted Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul as saying yesterday in response to a question about international pressure regarding the ceasefire.
Since the renewed outbreak on December 7, the conflict has displaced more than half a million people and killed nearly 40 in both countries. Thai Defense Ministry spokesman Surasant Kongsiri said yesterday that fighting is continuing across eight border provinces and the situation remains volatile.
On the same day, the Thai National Security Council decided to inspect and intercept all ships carrying fuel and military equipment to Cambodia, according to the Bangkok Post . Previously, the Royal Thai Navy stated that this measure would not affect foreign vessels.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper