BANGKOK — Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said Friday it remains dissatisfied with Cambodia’s response to a recent border incident, but acknowledged that Phnom Penh’s acceptance of responsibility for firing weapons into Thai territory could open the door to renewed cooperation.
The comments came after Cambodian authorities sent an explanation over a 6 January incident in which weapons fire crossed into the Chong Bok area of Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province.
Air Chief Marshal Praphas Sonjaidee, who heads Thailand’s joint information coordination center on Thai-Cambodian relations, said Thai authorities understand public anger over Cambodia’s actions but must assess the situation based on evidence, facts and stated intentions.
He said communication between the two sides remains uneven despite commitments under a 16-point joint statement, adding that while Cambodia has issued an explanation, it has not yet been convincing.
“The communication is not as smooth as it should be,” he said, noting that Thai officials are still monitoring whether Cambodia is acting in line with what was agreed.
Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokeswoman Maratee Nalita Andamo said the ministry also remains unsatisfied with Cambodia’s display of sincerity following the ceasefire, citing incidents that occurred after the agreement.
However, she said Cambodia’s acceptance of responsibility for the weapons fire was an important first step.
“That acknowledgement makes it possible to move forward together,” she said, adding that Thailand is watching closely to see whether both sides comply fully with all 16 points of the joint statement.
She also said Thailand would continue to raise concerns about anti-personnel landmines under the Ottawa Convention, stressing that preventing future violations is essential to rebuilding trust and advancing cooperation through mechanisms such as the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission.
