Escalating border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia prompt a request from Malaysia's Prime Minister for intervention
Malaysia's Prime Minister Invites Thailand's Leadership for a Visit Amid Border Tensions
Malaysia's Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, has extended an invitation to Thailand's newly appointed Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, for a visit to Malaysia. This invitation comes amidst escalating tensions along the Thai-Cambodia border.
The visit is intended to promote good relations between the two neighboring countries. Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), made the invitation following Anutin Charnvirakul's official appointment as Thailand's Prime Minister.
The phone call between the two leaders took place on Thursday night, during which they discussed the Thai-Cambodia border issue. Anwar Ibrahim emphasized his focus on peace and the avoidance of any conflicts that could inflame tensions in the region.
Meanwhile, border tensions have been heightened due to incidents involving Cambodian citizens. On Wednesday, around 200 Cambodian citizens infiltrated the area, and Banteay Meanchey locals engaged in violence against Thai authorities. The violence involved the use of wooden and metal rods, as well as stones, causing injuries to Thai officials.
In response to these incidents, the governor of Sa Kaeo, Parinya Phothisat, issued an urgent letter to his counterpart in Banteay Meanchey, expressing condemnation of "unlawful and unfriendly" acts by Cambodian civilians across the border. The letter outlined four demands: stopping illegal acts by Cambodian civilians on Thai soil, controlling further violations by Cambodian soldiers, suspending unapproved Interim Observation Team (IOT) missions into Thailand, and following mechanisms decided at the Joint Border Commission (JBC) and General Border Committee (GBC) meetings.
Governor Parinya also demanded in his urgent letter the implementation of stricter border controls, increased joint patrols, and enhanced communication between the two sides to end the aggression of Cambodian civilians at the Thai border. He claimed the right of Thai police to defend themselves after requesting Cambodian military intervention.
The governor's letter concluded with Sa Kaeo's resolution to uphold its sovereignty while seeking peace and stability. He criticized a visit by the IOT into Ban Nong Ya Kaeo, calling it a violation of conditions designed to maintain peace along the border.
As the situation continues to unfold, Anwar Ibrahim urged Anutin Charnvirakul to settle any issues through the JBC. The hope is that diplomatic efforts will help to de-escalate tensions and restore peace along the border.
