At 6 pm local time in the Philippines, an important trilateral meeting took place involving Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The discussions were held at the Shangri-La Mactan hotel in Cebu and focused on the situation between Thailand and Cambodia. This initiative was led by the Philippines, which currently holds the chair of ASEAN, as explained by Rachada Dhanadirek, spokesperson for the Thai Prime Minister’s Office.
Following the talks, the leaders addressed the media, with President Marcos speaking first in his role as ASEAN chair, followed by Prime Minister Hun Manet and then Prime Minister Anutin. Anutin expressed gratitude to President Marcos for organizing what he called a crucial meeting. He described his conversation with the Cambodian leader as both constructive and forward-looking, emphasizing that the discussions were open and significant.
The meeting served as a vital platform for both Thailand and Cambodia to reiterate their dedication to dialogue and maintaining peace. Anutin highlighted the close connections between the two neighboring countries, noting that they share numerous links across different dimensions. He pointed out that conflict invariably leads to loss and hardship for all parties involved, underscoring the importance of peace.
Prime Minister Anutin advocated for a forward-thinking approach, suggesting it was time to open a new chapter in the relationship between Thailand and Cambodia. This progress, he noted, would demand sincerity, good faith, and a collective commitment to overcoming current challenges. The meeting marked an essential step in reaffirming both nations’ commitment to working collaboratively toward a more peaceful future.