Prime Minister Hun Manet clarified that Thailand agreed to a ceasefire with Cambodia, started at midnight on July 24, following a proposal by Malaysian Prime Minister and ASEAN rotating chair Anwar Ibrahim. However, just one hour after the phone conversation with the ASEAN chair, Thailand retracted its position.
Manet issued the clarification to avoid any misinterpretation of the facts, particularly from the Thai government and media. In a Facebook post on the evening of July 25, he explained that he had spoken by phone with Anwar regarding the ongoing clashes between Cambodian and Thai forces along the border.
During the conversation, Anwar expressed concern about the fighting and shared his desire for an immediate ceasefire to pave the way for a resolution between the two parties.
“I clearly affirmed to His Excellency Anwar Ibrahim that Cambodia agreed with his proposal for a ceasefire, as Cambodia did not initiate this conflict,” said Manet.
The conversation between Manet and Anwar followed discussions between the ASEAN chair and Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. During that call, Thailand agreed to Anwar Ibrahim’s ceasefire proposal, setting on midnight on July 24, as the time for both sides’ forces to cease hostilities.
“Regrettably, just over an hour later, the Thai side informed the ASEAN chair that they had reversed their stance from agreeing to the ceasefire at midnight to disagreeing and opting to wait. His Excellency Anwar Ibrahim is fully aware of this matter,” explained Manet.
“Therefore, the key to ending the armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia at this time lies in Thailand’s genuine willingness to accept a ceasefire, which is the first step toward finding a further resolution between the two parties,” he continued.