BANGKOK: Thailand will reciprocate once Cambodia begins withdrawing heavy weapons from the border area.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed this goodwill gesture following Cambodia’s initial withdrawal actions.
“They began this process last night, and once they act, we will reciprocate, as we also have heavy weapons stationed there,” Anutin stated.
The KL Peace Accord was signed by Anutin and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Sunday.
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and United States President Donald Trump witnessed the signing ceremony.
This signing occurred on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur.
Anutin explained that the joint declaration serves as a framework outlining both countries’ responsibilities.
“Although the agreement does not specifically require us to withdraw, we are demonstrating goodwill by following suit to open channels for dialogue and foster mutual understanding,” he added.
Military discussions will continue through bilateral channels until both sides are satisfied with the disarmament process.
ASEAN military attachés will serve as neutral observers to verify compliance with the agreement.
The next step will focus on landmine clearance as a more pressing issue affecting civilian safety.
Cambodia has already begun relocating military weapons along the disputed border area.
Agence Kampuchea Presse reported this operation is being conducted under ASEAN Observer Team supervision.
Anutin dismissed speculation about the Thai-Cambodian border checkpoint reopening on November 1.
He clarified that border reopening would only be considered as the final step in the process.
“The border is not reopening yet,” the prime minister confirmed.
The KL Peace Accord formalised an earlier ceasefire agreement reached on August 7.
That agreement resulted from the Extraordinary General Border Committee Meeting in Kuala Lumpur.
This followed a special session in Putrajaya on July 28 that successfully halted armed hostilities.
Tensions had escalated into military confrontation in late July along the 817-kilometre border.
The conflict displaced approximately 300,000 people from both sides of the frontier. – Bernama
