PM calls on Cambodia to show commitment to peace after Hun Manet’s remarks

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has called on Cambodia to demonstrate its commitment to peace and stability, responding to remarks made by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet at the Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh on Sunday.

Anutin, who is attending the ASEAN Summit in Manila, issued a statement on Facebook following Hun Manet’s remarks concerning the Thai-Cambodian border dispute and a similar intervention by Cambodia’s representative at the ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting in the Philippine capital.

“As far as Thailand is concerned, we expect Cambodia to faithfully demonstrate the same commitment to peace and stability between the two countries and ultimately for our peoples,” Anutin wrote.

The Thai prime minister stressed that both countries should work towards rebuilding mutual trust rather than bringing their bilateral disagreements onto the international stage.

“Both Cambodia and Thailand must avoid internationalizing all bilateral issues and should advocate confidence-building measures with each other if one so desires to restore friendship,” he said.

Anutin reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to resolving differences peacefully through existing bilateral mechanisms and in accordance with international law.

He maintained that Thailand had consistently respected its agreements with Cambodia and that its actions during the border dispute were intended to protect national sovereignty, territorial integrity and the safety of Thai citizens.

“Thailand has always respected all agreements with Cambodia and will always adhere to international law,” he wrote.

“Our actions have been strictly aimed at protecting our sovereignty, territorial integrity and most importantly, the safety and well-being of the Thai people.”

Anutin also emphasised that Thailand would not bring bilateral disputes, particularly those concerning territorial and humanitarian matters, before countries that were not directly involved in the conflict.

“Thailand will never raise any bilateral dispute, especially on territorial and humanitarian issues with other countries which are not parties to the conflict,” he said.

The statement followed Hun Manet’s remarks at the Francophonie Summit, which Cambodia is hosting in Phnom Penh.

Anutin reiterated that Thailand remained committed to peaceful dialogue and expected Cambodia to demonstrate the same willingness to pursue peace and stability for the benefit of both countries’ populations.