Kuala lumpur: Malaysia has reiterated its commitment to supporting the peace process between Thailand and Cambodia, even after Thailand declared the suspension of all agreements with Cambodia following a landmine explosion along their shared border, which injured several Thai soldiers.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar emphasized Malaysia's determination to maintain the momentum of the peace process, highlighting its critical role in ensuring regional stability. He stressed that any delay could potentially lead to a resurgence of past hostilities.
"We understand there will be a 'cooling period' to allow both sides to assess the current situation. However, we hope the matter can be resolved as soon as possible, especially since the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) for Thailand is currently attending a meeting of Thailand's National Security Council (NSC). We hope a positive decision can be reached so that this peace process can continue and achieve its objectives," Gen Nizam stated.
Despite the incident being a bilateral issue between Thailand and Cambodia, Gen Nizam noted that ASEAN member states have a shared responsibility to support one another. He mentioned that the AOT team is currently unable to enter the incident site, approximately 40 kilometers from the border.
"If a crisis similar to the previous one recurs, both AOT teams will be redeployed to Phnom Penh and Bangkok. For now, most of the plans under the peace agreement have already been implemented, including demining operations and other related measures. If the process is temporarily suspended, the AOT will reposition themselves and continue discussions with both sides to ensure all activities can resume," he added.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has asserted that Malaysia's role in the peace talks is purely as a coordinator, facilitating the negotiations without imposing conditions, to ensure their smooth progression.
International reports from yesterday revealed that the Thai Armed Forces Chief announced the suspension of agreements with Cambodia after a PMN-2 type landmine injured four Thai soldiers during a patrol in Sisaket province, Thailand, with one soldier losing his right leg.
The peace process was formalized with the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord, signed by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, witnessed by Anwar and U.S. President Donald Trump, during the 47th ASEAN Summit on Oct 26.
Earlier, on July 28, Anwar hosted a meeting in Putrajaya between Manet and Thailand's then-Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, which successfully reduced border tensions through a ceasefire agreement. This ceasefire was celebrated as a key ASEAN accomplishment, preventing military escalation and safeguarding civilians.