Thailand, Cambodia agree to comply with international law on captured soldiers after ‘positive’ talks in KL

SINCERITY AND COMMITMENT 

At a press conference after the meeting, however, Nattaphon claimed that while the border situation has become more stable, Cambodia continued to deploy additional troops to the area and has operated unmanned aerial vehicles to conduct surveillance over Thai territory. 

At the policy level, Cambodia has shown its sincerity, he acknowledged.

“Violations of the ceasefire, as mentioned prior, may be arbitrary acts by the military units in the area,” Nattaphon said.

Thailand remained committed to continuing engagement in a sincere and constructive manner based on principles of good neighbourliness and hoped the same from Cambodia, he added. 

“Thailand and Cambodia are neighbours that share a common border and cannot move away from each other. We are also members of the same ASEAN family. If both our countries can resolve this issue swiftly, peace will return to our shared border area. And our people will be able to resume their normal lives in peace once again,” he said. 

At a separate press conference, Cambodian Defence Minister Tea hoped that Thailand would immediately release and return the 18 Cambodian soldiers. 

He also said that Cambodia was determined to work in good faith and cooperate with Thailand, Malaysia, other ASEAN member states and relevant partners to ensure the ceasefire’s full and effective implementation.  

Malaysia Home Minister Saifuddin said the ceasefire was not merely a pause, but a promise to prevent further suffering.

It must be honoured through commitment, effective monitoring and sincere political will from both sides, he said.

“In ASEAN, we believe in resolving disputes through consensus, non-confrontation, and through trust, mutual respect, and the spirit of non-interference. We strengthen our regional unity,” he said. 

Malaysia is ready to offer assistance in facilitating talks, building confidence and supporting practical mechanisms for monitoring the ceasefire, Saifuddin said.