In a significant diplomatic engagement held at the Shangri-La Mactan hotel in Cebu, Philippines, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of Thailand participated in trilateral talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The discussions, which took place at 6pm local time, were centered on the ongoing situation between Thailand and Cambodia, and were initiated by the Philippines as the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). According to Rachada Dhanadirek, the spokesperson for the Thai Prime Minister’s Office, this meeting was an important step in addressing regional issues.
Following the talks, a press conference was held where the leaders shared their insights and outcomes of the discussions. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his role as ASEAN chair, opened the conference, followed by statements from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Anutin expressed gratitude towards President Marcos for organizing the critical meeting, emphasizing that the dialogue with Cambodia had been both constructive and forward-looking.
Anutin highlighted the importance of the meeting as a platform for reaffirming the commitment of both countries to dialogue and maintaining peace. He noted that Thailand and Cambodia, as neighboring nations, share deep connections across various dimensions, and it is crucial that they work together to prevent conflict, which only leads to loss and hardship for all involved. The Thai prime minister underscored the necessity of peace and the detrimental impact of conflict in the region.
Emphasizing a forward-looking approach, Anutin called for both Thailand and Cambodia to open a new chapter in their bilateral relations, one that prioritizes sincerity, good faith, and a mutual determination to overcome existing challenges. The meeting underscored the ASEAN chair’s role in fostering dialogue and cooperation among member nations, reinforcing the collective commitment to regional stability and prosperity.