Ministry defends Thai envoys' conduct on Cambodia

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rejected Cambodia's allegation that Thai diplomats sought to pressure a third country to prevent Phnom Penh from raising bilateral issues at the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) Summit.

The summit of the French-speaking nations is scheduled to take place in Phnom Penh from Nov 14 to 16.

Ministry spokeswoman Jaithai Upakarnitikaset said on Friday that Thailand had repeatedly responded to what it regarded as Cambodia's false allegations with facts.

Ms Jaithai said Thai diplomats have consistently acted professionally to protect and promote national interests.

She said both countries had agreed during their leaders' talks on the sidelines of the Asean Summit in Cebu, the Philippines, in May to reduce tensions and gradually restore trust.

Thailand maintained that bilateral issues should be addressed through bilateral mechanisms and sincere dialogue, she said.

Meanwhile, ACM Prapas Sonchaidee, assistant commander of the Royal Thai Air Force and director of the Joint Information Centre on the Thailand-Cambodia situation, said yesterday that Thailand was not using security concerns as a pretext to delay the work of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).

He said Thailand was ready to negotiate and resume JBC work, but officials must be able to enter the field safely for technical operations to produce meaningful results.

Thailand's "security first" approach focuses on four areas: maintaining the ceasefire, reducing military risks, clearing landmines and jointly tackling transnational crime. These measures are intended to build trust and support a peaceful solution.

ACM Prapas said landmine clearance must precede border surveys because personnel should not be deployed in areas where risks remain. The areas must first be made safe before technical teams begin work.

He added that Thailand was prepared to use both bilateral mechanisms and international law in good faith, with laws and agreements applied consistently to all parties.

"Before drawing a line on the map, we must ensure those surveying it can work safely. Thailand is ready to negotiate, but negotiations must produce practical results," he said.