[Global Times Comprehensive Report] According to Thailand's "National" reported on the 25th, Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin said during his inspection in Bangkok on the 24th that Thailand will not compromise on the sovereignty issue. "Cambodia must first withdraw heavy weapons and troops from the border areas. Otherwise, negotiations will not continue. We will keep the border closed until the threat from Cambodia is eliminated." In addition, Anutin said that he would personally inspect the border area between Thailand and Cambodia.
Thailand and Cambodia have been in armed conflict in the border area since July 24, due to disputes such as temple belonging. On August 7, the two sides reached a consensus and signed an agreement on the ceasefire rules at a meeting in Malaysia. The National newspaper said that while Anutin, who took office on July 24, had not yet held any formal negotiations with Cambodia, he reiterated Thailand’s firm stance to safeguard national sovereignty. When asked about a series of recent trends in Cambodia, including the redistribution of heavy weapons and drone activities on the border, Anutin said such actions would hinder any possible negotiations and could urge Thailand to take harder countermeasures.
On the 24th, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasa Pongjige told reporters that the two countries must abide by the ceasefire agreement reached. He said that Thailand and Cambodia should reduce their troops stationed in border areas and make joint efforts to ease tensions.
According to the Cambodian Daily News, the Cambodian Ministry of Defense issued a statement on the same day, denying the previous charges made by Thailand. The statement stressed that the Cambodian army did not take any provocative action and did not violate the ceasefire agreement between the two countries. The Cambodian Khmer Times that the Cambodian Ministry of Defense on the 24th opened a map accusing Thailand of invading and occupying Cambodian territory.