Sihasak: Cambodia distorting accounts

Thailand has accused Cambodia of distorting discussions under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) by selectively presenting the outcome and linking maritime boundary issues to unrelated land border clashes.

Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said on Wednesday Thailand had written to the conciliation commission to express concern that Cambodia issued its own statement before the commission released an agreed statement on the second round of talks in The Hague, despite an agreement that the commission should speak first.

He said the two sides had also agreed that public comments should not worsen the situation or create further disputes, but Cambodia had selectively interpreted discussions to suit its own interests.

At the meeting, the discussions focused exclusively on maritime boundaries, with no reference to land border issues or problems arising from recent clashes, he said.

Mr Sihasak was responding to a televised statement by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn on the outcome of the second round of conciliation proceedings between Thailand and Cambodia under Unclos.

He accused Cambodia of choosing points it considered advantageous and interpreting them in its favour, saying this undermined trust between the two countries.

"Some of the discussions were constructive, but Cambodia chose certain points it thought would give it an advantage and interpreted them in its own favour," Mr Sihasak said. "This does not improve the atmosphere or mutual trust between us."

He said Thailand supported confidence-building measures but accused Cambodia of repeatedly distorting certain issues and presenting only selected aspects of discussions.

Mr Sihasak said Thailand hoped the conciliation process would help improve bilateral relations, but progress depended on Cambodia's willingness to honour agreements reached.

Thailand had sought to separate international meetings from bilateral disputes, he said, citing its participation in a Cambodian meeting on combating online scams because the issue served the interests of both countries.

Thailand also raised no objection to Cambodia's plan to appoint a consul-general in Sa Kaeo to assist Cambodian nationals living in Thailand, Mr Sihasak said, adding that these steps reflect Thailand's effort to build confidence despite existing disagreements.

Mr Sihasak said Phnom Penh may be targeting domestic public opinion.