Bangkok: Pointing out the Thai Cambodian agreement as an important milestone in creating peace and reducing tensions, Assoc. Prof. Yutthaporn Isarachai, a lecturer at the Faculty of Political Science at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, commented on the signing of the "Joint Declaration for Peace and Security" between Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Manet. This significant event took place at the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia and was witnessed by ASEAN leaders and the US President.
According to Thai News Agency, Assoc. Prof. Yutthaporn stated that this agreement has numerous positive effects on Thailand, impacting security, the border economy, and the country's global image. One of the primary benefits is the reduction of tensions and the restoration of trust between the two nations. Both countries have agreed to withdraw troops and heavy weapons from the border, returning equipment to permanent locations to mitigate the risk of conflict. They have also reaffirmed their commitment to resolving disputes peacefully through existing bilateral mechanisms, and to cease intimidation or the use of force.
Furthermore, the agreement aims to enhance public safety and develop the border economy. Both Thailand and Cambodia will collaborate to clear mines in high-risk areas, protecting civilian lives and paving the way for economic development. They will also enhance cooperation in combating transnational crimes, particularly focusing on scammers and cybercrime, a priority for the Thai Prime Minister. There is also an agreement to coordinate humanitarian assistance, conduct surveys, and establish land border demarcations to ensure peace for the people of both countries.
The agreement is set to enhance Thailand's security and role on the global stage. With the support of ASEAN member states and the United States, this signing reflects ASEAN's unity in addressing regional issues and enhances Thailand's image as a leader in peace in Southeast Asia. The countries have also agreed to cease the spread of false information, provocative rhetoric, or hate speech to prevent information conflicts from undermining relations.
Assoc. Prof. Yutthaporn concluded that the Declaration is 'an important foundation for the transition from conflict to lasting peace' and will further strengthen bilateral relations, benefiting Thailand's stability, security, and economic development in the long term. Although the signing is not a treaty, it serves as a framework for political cooperation paving the way for peace, with Cambodia needing to implement the four agreed-upon conditions before Thailand can consider further steps.
"This agreement is a significant achievement for Thailand, addressing key concerns such as withdrawing heavy weapons, combating scammers, and managing the border," Assoc. Prof. Yutthaporn explained. "Thailand has successfully brought these issues to the negotiating table with international witnesses. Now, it depends on Cambodia's sincerity. If Cambodia fails to comply, it risks losing international credibility, especially after facing scrutiny over its role as a scammer base and the impact of border closures. Ultimately, I believe Cambodia will follow through on the agreement," he concluded.