Kuala lumpur: The government of Thailand confirmed its receipt of an invitation from ASEAN Chairman Anwar Ibrahim to discuss ongoing border issues with Cambodia. Phumtham Vejjayachai, acting prime minister of Thailand, will lead the Thai delegation in these critical negotiations, which underscore Thailand's firm stance on territorial sovereignty.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office and part of the Committee of the Special Operations Center for the Administration of the Situation on the Thai-Cambodian Border (SOC-CMB), stated that the negotiations are scheduled to take place tomorrow at the Prime Minister's Office of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. The Thai delegation is set to depart at approximately 10:30 a.m. via the Air Force, with discussions slated to begin at 3:00 p.m. Malaysian time.
The Thai negotiating team, led by Mr. Phumtham, includes notable figures such as Mr. Maris Sengiampong, minister of foreign affairs, General Nattapol Nakphanit, deputy minister of defense, Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej, secretary-general to the prime minister, and Mr. Jirayu Huangsap himself. Reports indicate that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will participate in the discussions, representing the Cambodian government.
Mr. Jirayu addressed speculations from some Thai media sources that Thailand might agree to use a 1:200,000 scale map like Cambodia to negotiate a ceasefire. He firmly denied these claims, emphasizing that the Thai government consistently uses a 1:50,000 scale map. "No government or person will sell out their own country," Mr. Jirayu asserted, highlighting the importance of caution in disseminating information, especially when national sovereignty is at stake. The negotiations aim to explore peaceful solutions while maintaining Thailand's territorial integrity.