- Cambodia denies claims made by Bangkok on 3rd day of ceasefire following border clashes for 20 days
ANKARA
Thailand and Cambodia on Monday held exchanges mediated by China to work towards rebuilding ties and establishing mutual trust, following recent border clashes, as Bangkok claimed fresh ceasefire violations allegedly by Phnom Penh.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted his Cambodian and Thai counterparts, Prak Sokhonn, and Sihasak Phuangketkeow, alongside military representatives from all three countries on the shores of Fuxian Lake in southern Yunnan province of China, according to a readout released by Beijing.
“The three sides had in-depth exchanges on consolidating the ceasefire and working step by step through mutual efforts to resume normal exchanges, rebuild political mutual trust, improve Cambodia-Thailand bilateral relations, and safeguard regional stability,” said the readout.
The latest statement came as Cambodia and Thailand on Saturday declared a ceasefire after 20 days of border clashes, which killed at least 99 people, including civilians.
During the trilateral meetings held since Sunday, Wang highlighted China’s active mediation between the two Southeast Asian nations.
“With the joint efforts of all parties, the Cambodian and Thai militaries recently reached a ceasefire agreement, which China finds gratifying,” he said.
He added that both sides demonstrated a positive and open attitude, showed commitment to easing and de-escalating tensions, and expressed willingness to improve bilateral relations on the basis of the ceasefire.
"We must look forward and move forward together," Wang said.
Wang noted that the conflict had caused a loss of confidence, but stressed that Cambodia and Thailand, as eternal neighbors, should work to heal wounds and remove barriers to reconciliation.
China pledged support in ceasefire monitoring, humanitarian aid, and demining cooperation.
Both Cambodian and Thai top diplomats also expressed gratitude for China’s role, underscoring the importance of peace and their commitment to implementing the ceasefire.
Thai army claims violations
Separately, Thailand on Monday accused Cambodia of “violating” the ceasefire agreement by sending more than 250 unmanned aircraft over its territory.
Thai Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Winthai Suwaree said in a statement: “More than 250 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) were detected flying from Cambodia into the sovereign area of Thailand” on Sunday night, Thai Enquirer News outlet reported.
“Such actions are considered to provoke and violate measures to reduce the level of tension,” the spokesman said, adding that the Thai army “may need to reconsider” the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers from Thai custody.
Winthai also said that another Thai soldier was injured by a mine blast on Monday, noting that an investigation into the incident is underway.
Under the agreement, Thailand agreed to return all 18 soldiers, who have been in Thai custody since the July clashes that killed at least 48, to Cambodia if the ceasefire has been fully maintained for the initial 72 hours.
I In response to Thailand's claims, Cambodian Defense Ministry spokeswoman Lieutenant General Maly Socheata "categorically rejected" the allegations, saying: "We confirm that no such drone launches have occurred."
She stated that the Defense Ministry and local administrations "have issued strict instructions to prohibit the launch of all types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)," according to state-run Agence Kampuchea Presse.
Border clashes resumed on Dec. 8, a day after a border skirmish wounded two Thai soldiers.
Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said Monday that the country is ready to welcome back 18 soldiers detained by the Thai military on Tuesday, according to Agence Kampuchea Presse.
Cambodia and Thailand signed the ceasefire agreement on Saturday, ending nearly 20 days of clashes that killed dozens and displaced nearly 1 million civilians along their disputed border.
Under the arrangement, both sides agreed to halt all armed hostilities and avoid unprovoked fire, troop advances, or movements toward each other’s positions.
The ceasefire applies along the entire border and covers military targets, civilians, and infrastructure, with Thailand set to return 18 Cambodian soldiers after the truce is fully maintained for 72 hours, ending at noon on Tuesday.
