The Philippines has signalled its readiness to act as a mediator in the Thai–Cambodian border dispute when it assumes the Asean chairmanship next year, as Thailand reaffirmed that a meeting of the Thai–Cambodian General Border Committee (GBC) will proceed in Chanthaburi on Wednesday as scheduled.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Monday that Manila stands ready to facilitate dialogue between the two neighbouring countries, according to a report by the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).
The remarks followed discussions among Asean foreign ministers in Kuala Lumpur, where Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro joined counterparts at Malaysia’s invitation to review the escalating border situation.
“Following today’s discussions, the Philippines said it is prepared to assume the role of facilitator/mediator between Cambodia and Thailand, should both parties decide to make use of the good offices of the Chair once the Philippines assumes the Asean chairmanship,” the DFA said.
Meanwhile, military sources in Bangkok said Cambodia had requested an emergency special session of the GBC to be held in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday to address the ongoing clashes and to seek broader international involvement.
Thailand rejected the proposal, maintaining that bilateral mechanisms remain the most appropriate channel for resolving the issue and insisting that the GBC meeting would take place as planned in Ban Laem district of Chanthaburi.
The eastern province, which borders Trat, was selected because it remains comparatively calm when measured against other frontline areas experiencing heightened tensions, the source said.
The GBC is a bilateral forum that addresses border security issues and is chaired by the defence ministers of both countries.
The Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) handles legal and technical aspects of land demarcation under the supervision of foreign ministry officials, while the Regional Border Committee (RBC) oversees regional border management and cooperation through regional military commanders.
Officials from the GBC secretariat on both sides are scheduled to meet from Wednesday to Friday, with a meeting between the Thai and Cambodian defence ministers expected on Saturday.
Nattaphon Expresses Frustration
Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit reiterated Thailand’s position that the Chanthaburi meeting should move forward as a bilateral platform.
He said Thailand had initially prioritised negotiations and ceasefire efforts, but repeated violations had demonstrated what he described as a lack of sincerity on the part of Phnom Penh.
Ongoing shelling, he added, has compelled Thailand to respond proportionately in accordance with international law and Article 51 of the United Nations Charter on self-defence.
Gen Nattaphon also expressed frustration over what he characterised as insufficient international support for Thailand’s stance.
“I feel that no other country really is standing by us. Everyone’s acting neutral but appear to be on Cambodia’s side,” he said.
“They listen to the Cambodian side and see us as the bigger country bullying (its neighbour).
“I have not seen any country condemning Cambodia and asking why they are laying landmines on Thai territory. Instead they’re telling Thailand it should show restraint in its use of weapons and violence.”
