Thai prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced today that the National Security Council has agreed to send defense minister Natthaphon Narkphanit to meet his Cambodian counterpart on 27/12. This meeting marks the 4th day of negotiations by the Joint Border Committee (GBC), aiming to resolve the ongoing border conflict between the two nations.

"If tomorrow the two defense ministers can reach an agreement acceptable to both Thailand and Cambodia, the document they sign will largely be based on the 4 main points outlined in the previous joint statement", Anutin said at a press conference in Bangkok. These points, established in a peace agreement from October, include: withdrawing heavy weapons, clearing landmines along the border, cooperating to combat cross-border crime, and establishing a joint management mechanism for the disputed border area.

The Thai prime minister emphasized the importance of mutual commitment. "It is important that both sides keep their word, not attack, threaten, provoke, or escalate tensions. People can trust Thailand. We always adhere to agreements and commitments. Let this be the final signing, so that peace can be restored and people can return home", he stated.

Thai prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul in Bangkok in October. Photo: *Reuters*.

Tensions between Cambodia and Thailand escalated into clashes on 7/12, with soldiers from both countries exchanging gunfire along the border. Both sides subsequently used heavy weapons, including F-16 fighter jets and multiple launch rocket artillery, to strike targets in the neighboring country's territory.

The two countries resumed negotiations on 24/12, which are expected to conclude on 27/12. However, no breakthrough has been achieved yet, with both Cambodia and Thailand accusing each other of continuing attacks during the negotiation period.

Regarding Thailand's 72-hour ceasefire proposal, Anutin stated that it was a condition Bangkok asked Cambodia to accept. "If they can do that, we will consider releasing 18 Cambodian soldiers", he added. Cambodia has not yet responded to Anutin's statements. Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet previously said he had a phone call with U.S. secretary of state Marco Rubio, and they discussed "ways to ensure a ceasefire agreement along the Cambodia-Thailand border".

Huyen Le (According to *AFP*, *Nation Thailand*)