Bangkok: Academics are highlighting the recent agreement between Thailand and Cambodia as a significant success for the Thai side, marking a milestone in peace and the reduction of border tensions.
According to Thai News Agency, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yutthaporn Isarachai from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University provided insights into the "Joint Declaration for Peace and Security" signed by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Manet. The signing took place at the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, witnessed by ASEAN leaders and the US President, bringing numerous positive implications for Thailand, including security enhancements and global image improvements.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yutthaporn emphasized the reduction of tensions and restoration of trust as key benefits of the agreement, with both countries committing to troop and weapon withdrawal along the border, and resolving disputes through existing mechanisms like the RBC, GBC, and JBC. This commitment aims to establish sustainable friendly relations and cease intimidation or force.
Further benefits include public safety improvements and border economy development. Cooperation on mine clearance in high-risk areas and suppressing transnational crimes, particularly those prioritized by the Thai Prime Minister, are central to these efforts. Additionally, the agreement entails humanitarian assistance coordination, land border demarcation surveys, and peace enhancement for local populations.
The agreement also strengthens Thailand's global security role. Supported by ASEAN and the US, the signing underscores ASEAN's unity on regional issues and boosts Thailand's image as a peace leader in Southeast Asia. Both nations agreed to halt misinformation, provocative rhetoric, and hate speech to prevent information conflicts from undermining relations.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yutthaporn concluded that the Declaration provides a foundation for transitioning from conflict to lasting peace, benefiting Thailand's stability, security, and economic development. While not a treaty, the document outlines a political cooperation framework requiring Cambodia to fulfill agreed conditions before further Thai actions.
The agreement fulfills Thailand's demands for weapon withdrawal, scammer crackdown, and border management, gaining international recognition. Cambodia's adherence to the agreement remains crucial, with potential consequences for its international credibility should it falter. The agreement's success is seen as pivotal for Cambodia, especially after facing international scrutiny and border closure impacts.