Thailand begins withdrawal of heavy weapons from border

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (right) and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet (left) meet on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur. (Royal Thai Government pic)
BANGKOK: Thailand has started withdrawing heavy weapons from the Thai–Cambodian border, a day after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the country would reciprocate Cambodia’s move to do the same.
In a statement, Thai Government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat said Thailand expects the process to continue in an earnest and consistent manner to ensure the safety of border communities.
“Anutin highlighted the importance of strengthening coordination to ensure the implementation of other key issues, particularly cooperation in combating transnational crimes, conducting landmine clearance, and implementing agreements on border management,” he said.
He added that Anutin noted the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord, signed on Sunday, serves as a foundation for both countries to move forward, but the most crucial factor is that it must be implemented sincerely and concretely.
On Sunday, Anutin and his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Manet, signed the accord witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and United States President Donald Trump.
In the joint declaration, both sides agreed to implement military de-escalation under the observation and verification of the Asean Observer Team (AOT), including the removal of heavy and destructive weapons and equipment from the border areas and their return to respective normal military installations.
Meanwhile, Anutin on Tuesday held a bilateral meeting with Hun Manet on the sidelines of the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur.
Siripong said the two leaders’ discussion focused on the need for both countries to cooperate closely in translating the agreements into practical implementation as soon as possible.
He said that during the meeting, both prime ministers discussed ways to enhance diplomatic communication and agreed to have their foreign ministers meet for further discussions at the earliest opportunity.
“The people and media of both countries are closely monitoring the progress of its implementation. Therefore, it is the responsibility of both sides to demonstrate tangible progress and act sincerely and in good faith in fulfilling the commitments made, in order to ensure stability and safety for their citizens,” he said.
Meanwhile, Siripong said Anutin thanked his Cambodian counterpart for sending a letter of condolence on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.
Thailand and Cambodia have long been locked in a border dispute stretching 817 kilometres, with the latest flare-up on July 24 leading to a military confrontation.
On July 28, Anwar hosted a crucial meeting in Putrajaya between Manet and Thailand’s then-Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, which successfully eased tensions along their shared border.
The ceasefire, seen as a major Asean achievement, has helped prevent the conflict from escalating and ensured the safety of thousands of civilians.