KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand may bring forward the signing of its peace agreement with Cambodia to allow Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to attend the royal funeral procession for the late Queen Mother Sirikit tomorrow.
Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said Bangkok is coordinating with the United States, Malaysia, and Cambodia to finalise the new schedule.
“We are working with the United States and Malaysia right now — Cambodia as well — to move it forward to 12pm.
“It hasn’t been finalised yet, but discussions are ongoing,” he told a press conference here today.
Nikorndej added that Cambodia has agreed to the proposed timing, while confirmation from the United States and Malaysia is still pending.
“We hope to finalise arrangements soon so that the prime minister can depart in time for the royal funeral procession, which begins at 4pm tomorrow,” he said.
He also confirmed that Anutin will attend the signing of the peace deal, which will be witnessed by United States President Donald Trump and Asean chair, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the matter is currently being finalised, and the Prime Minister might arrive in Kuala Lumpur as late as tomorrow morning.
“He’s very likely to be here. We are working out his schedule as we speak. He might arrive very late tonight or tomorrow morning, just before the signing, and will have to rush back to Thailand to attend the Queen Mother’s ceremony.
“It’s yet to be finalised, but more likely than not, he will be here,” he said.
Anwar had said on Oct 23 that the detailed terms of the peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia — aimed at resolving their longstanding border dispute — are expected to be signed during the 47th Asean Summit.
In July, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire following tensions along their shared border.
The agreement was reached during a special meeting between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, with Anwar serving as host and Asean Chair.
Following the ceasefire, a meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) was convened as part of the peace process conditions.
Commenting further on the peace pact, Nikorndej said the upcoming signing marks an important step in renewing diplomatic ties between the two nations.
“It’s called a joint declaration because it reflects Thailand and Cambodia’s commitment to renew their relations and work towards the normalisation of diplomatic activities,” he said.
Balankura explained that, prior to the signing, two sub-meetings were held — the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) and the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) — where both sides discussed four key conditions set by Thailand.
“These include cooperation on demining, combating transnational crime, removing heavy military activity from border areas, and improving border area management,” he said.
He added that both countries have since drawn up action plans and technical details to implement these measures.
“There has been progress in all four areas. Of course, it’s just the beginning — the work has only started. But we are hopeful and positive about the next steps.
“We are looking forward to sincerity, good neighbourliness, and honesty from the Cambodian side after this joint declaration signing.
“Thailand remains positive and committed to building a more peaceful and cooperative border region,” he added.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
