Washington [US], December 14: US President Donald Trump urged Thailand and Cambodia to honor their commitments after fighting continued between the two countries following his phone call.
President Trump played a mediating role in the ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia in October. After fighting resumed on December 7, Trump called Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on the evening of December 12. Following the call, Trump said the leaders of the two conflicting sides had agreed to a complete ceasefire, according to Reuters.
However, in subsequent statements, neither Anutin nor Hun Manet mentioned any agreement. Anutin said there was no ceasefire and declared he would continue military action until he felt no longer threatened.
According to Reuters, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a statement on December 13: "The President expects all parties to respect all commitments they made when signing agreements, and he will hold anyone accountable if necessary to stop the killings and ensure lasting peace."
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow stated that Bangkok would cooperate with observer forces but that dialogue was necessary before a ceasefire could be announced. "We cannot announce a ceasefire while fighting is ongoing," Sihasak said.
The foreign minister also said that approximately 6,000 to 7,000 Thai citizens are still stranded in Poipet city, Banteay Meanchey province (Cambodia) because Phnom Penh suddenly closed all border crossings on December 13.
Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen wrote on social media on December 13 that Cambodians currently in Thailand must continue to live and work there, while Thai citizens in Cambodia will also continue to stay until the ceasefire agreement is fully implemented.
The Cambodian Ministry of Information announced that measures are aimed at preventing risks and ensuring the safety of civilians, especially those traveling across the border. According to the Khmer Times , the Ministry instructed relevant authorities to provide maximum support to Thai citizens and foreigners throughout the country, including Cambodian citizens. The Ministry also called on Thailand to provide appropriate protection for Cambodian citizens currently in Thailand.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
