At 6pm local time, a significant diplomatic meeting unfolded in Cebu, Philippines, where Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The discussions, set against the backdrop of the luxurious Shangri-La Mactan hotel, focused on addressing ongoing issues between Thailand and Cambodia. This meeting was notably organized by the Philippines, acting in its role as the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as confirmed by Rachada Dhanadirek, the spokesperson for the Thai Prime Minister’s Office.
During the subsequent press conference, the leaders took turns addressing the media. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. spoke first, leveraging his position as ASEAN chair, followed by Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia and Prime Minister Anutin of Thailand. In his remarks, Anutin expressed gratitude towards the Philippine president for initiating what he described as a crucial meeting. He emphasized that his dialogue with the Cambodian prime minister was both constructive and progressive, highlighting the candid and significant nature of their discussions.
The meeting served as a vital platform for Thailand and Cambodia to renew their commitment to maintaining dialogue and ensuring peace in the region. Prime Minister Anutin underscored the importance of this opportunity, noting the necessity of collaboration between the two nations. He pointed out that their close geographical and cultural ties should serve as a foundation for overcoming differences and emphasized that conflict only leads to mutual detriment, underscoring the indispensable value of peace.
Prime Minister Anutin called for a joint effort to forge a new chapter in Thailand-Cambodia relations, urging both nations to adopt a forward-thinking approach. He stressed that achieving this vision would require genuine intentions, mutual trust, and a collective willingness to overcome existing challenges. By focusing on these principles, he suggested that both countries could move beyond their current issues and foster a more harmonious relationship.