Bangkok: Maris recommends involving China in efforts to pressure Cambodia to respect the peace agreement, maintain a balance of power, and communicate directly with the United States without intermediaries. He suggests using a bilateral negotiation mechanism to address the ongoing issues.
According to Thai News Agency, former Foreign Minister Maris Sengiampong expressed concern over the latest developments in the Thai-Cambodian conflict, which have generated significant interest within Thai society. These developments address security concerns, border issues, and the role of third countries in the negotiation process, raising questions about the direction and coherence of Thailand's foreign strategy in a complex geopolitical environment.
Mr. Maris stated that the government led by former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has affirmed that the Thai-Cambodian conflict must be resolved through bilateral negotiations between the two countries. Thailand opposes the involvement of a third country as a mediator, emphasizing that it has not violated any agreements with Cambodia. The role of a third country should be limited to that of an observer to ensure Cambodia adheres to the peace agreement. The signing of the Joint Declaration in Kuala Lumpur, with leaders from the United States and Malaysia, raises questions about Thailand's stance on third-country mediation.
Mr. Maris confirmed that with friendly countries and superpowers such as the United States and China as witnesses to the agreement, Thailand has successfully negotiated with them to pressure Cambodia to respect the peace agreement. However, if these countries become mediators, Thailand may face increased pressure.
Mr. Maris addressed the government's revelation regarding the US President's assurance to the Malaysian Prime Minister that the US will not involve the suspension of Thailand's peace declaration in ongoing trade tariff negotiations. He questioned the need for communications with the US on issues impacting Thailand's security and economic interests to be conveyed through a third country, advocating for direct diplomatic communication as essential for maintaining strategic capabilities and credibility.
Mr. Maris further noted that the current conflict with Cambodia serves as a test of Thailand's border management and the clarity and stability of its foreign policy on the international stage. Maintaining a unified stance, direct communication with dialogue partners, and comprehensive strategic assessments are crucial for bolstering Thailand's confidence both domestically and internationally.
He proposed strategic solutions for resolving the conflict, urging the government to re-engage bilaterally with Cambodia on sensitive issues relating to Thailand's sovereignty. He emphasized the importance of balancing diplomatic relations and direct communication with major powers, particularly the United States, through high-level diplomatic channels. Additionally, he advocated for utilizing bilateral mechanisms to involve China, as a witness to the ceasefire agreement, in recognizing Cambodia's violations. This approach would help pressure Cambodia to comply with the ceasefire and establish a balance among major powers.