Thailand to escort foreign envoys to border tomorrow after security delay

Thailand will escort foreign military attachés to areas affected by recent border clashes with Cambodia tomorrow, to provide firsthand insight into what Bangkok describes as repeated violations of an unconditional ceasefire agreement by Phnom Penh, Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said yesterday.

The delay in arranging the visit was due to safety concerns, as Cambodia had continued to breach the ceasefire despite agreeing to it.

“We couldn’t predict when Cambodia would violate the deal again, so we prioritised the safety of the military attachés,” he said.

He made the comments as Cambodia had already taken foreign envoys and members of the press to inspect damage on its side. Thailand, he said, had been cautious in coordinating its own visit. Attachés from ASEAN countries, the United States, and China are expected to be on the ground no later than Friday.

“The aim is not only to show them the facts on the ground, but also the areas where civilians were harmed, to serve as documentation and evidence,” Nikorndej added.

He also expressed strong disappointment with Cambodia for what he described as a “systematic distortion of information, concealment of the truth, and attempts to discredit Thailand in international forums.” These actions, he said, undermine trust and demonstrate a lack of sincerity in resolving the conflict.

Meanwhile, Thai army commanders met with a Malaysian military delegation to share information and evidence related to the conflict, which escalated into the bloodiest five-day fighting in the history of both countries.

The Malaysian delegation, led by General Mohd Nizam Jaffar, Malaysia’s Chief of Defence Forces, visited Thailand from July 29 to 30. The visit was part of the unconditional ceasefire agreement brokered during recent truce talks in Kuala Lumpur, where the Malaysian Prime Minister acted as mediator.

During a meeting with Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, commander of Thailand’s Second Army Region, Gen Mohd Nizam asked about reports that a group of Cambodian soldiers was in Thai custody.

Boonsin confirmed that the soldiers had been treated humanely in line with international humanitarian standards and would be repatriated promptly under international law.

Cambodia has accused Thailand of taking its soldiers hostage during a planned post-ceasefire handshake between troops from both sides in the disputed battlefield zone. It claimed that Cambodian troops approached to exchange greetings in the spirit of the ceasefire, but Thai forces turned their weapons on them and arrested them without provocation.

Earlier, the Thai army confirmed it had detained and disarmed 18 Cambodian soldiers who surrendered after a clash in Si Sa Ket province. The soldiers were treated in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles, and the injured were taken to hospital for medical treatment.

Lt Gen Boonsin also briefed the Malaysian general on the root causes of the clashes, particularly disagreements over border maps and conflict resolution methods.

He stressed that Thailand has adhered to peaceful means and responded to disputes through diplomatic protests, in accordance with signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).

In contrast, he said, Cambodia has deployed troops and laid landmines in the disputed area, in violation of the Ottawa Convention.

Gen Mohd Nizam also met with Lieutenant General Amarit Boonsuya, commander of Thailand’s First Army Region, in Bangkok. He stated that Malaysia is prepared to act as a mediator to help bring peace and stability to the Thai–Cambodian border region.

Plans are underway to establish a team of foreign military attachés and an ASEAN Monitoring Team to observe the ceasefire and report their findings to ASEAN member states, he said.

He emphasized that the success of the ceasefire depends on cooperation from both countries, and that Malaysia stands ready to assist.

Gen Mohd Nizam had earlier visited Cambodia to gather information and evidence on the conflict, and met with Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha and other senior commanders.