BANGKOK - Thailand’s Defence Ministry has proposed that the upcoming General Border Committee (GBC) meeting be held on a neutral ground, and suggested Malaysia as the venue.
Ministry spokesperson Rear Admiral Surasan Kongsiri said the proposal is in line with the standard international practice of not holding meetings between disputing parties on the territory of one of the nations involved in the conflict.
Acting Defence Minister General Natthapon Nakpanich is slated to attend the GBC meeting, which Cambodia has proposed to host on August 4.
“The GBC meeting provides an opportunity to jointly explore a way forward in de-escalating tensions and resolving border and security issues, reflecting our shared commitment to peace, stability, mutual respect, and good neighbourliness,” he said in a statement yesterday.
However, Rear Admiral Surasan emphasised that given the sensitive nature of the situation in both countries, it would be more appropriate to hold the meeting at a neutral venue, like Malaysia.
“While it is acknowledged that, under normal circumstances, bilateral meetings are held on a rotational basis — and that Thailand most recently served as host — this upcoming session is of an extraordinary nature.
“I therefore believe it would be appropriate to convene the meeting at a neutral location,” he said.
Rear Admiral Surasan also proposed allowing sufficient time for comprehensive discussions and suggested that the meeting be held from August 4 to August 7.
Conflict at the Thai-Cambodian border began with a brief skirmish on May 28 and escalated into armed clashes on July 24.
On Monday (July 28), Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire following a special meeting hosted in Putrajaya by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the current Asean chair. - BERNAMA