At 6pm local time in the Philippines, a significant trilateral meeting took place at the Shangri-La Mactan hotel in Cebu, bringing together the leaders of Thailand, Cambodia, and the Philippines. Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of Thailand engaged in discussions with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The talks centered around the situation between Thailand and Cambodia, with the Philippines playing a pivotal role as the current chair of ASEAN.
The initiative for this crucial meeting came from the Philippines, leveraging its position as the ASEAN chair. Rachada Dhanadirek, spokesperson for the Thai Prime Minister’s Office, highlighted this point. Following their discussions, the leaders addressed the media in a press conference. President Marcos, as the ASEAN chair, began the conference, followed by Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia and Prime Minister Anutin of Thailand.
In his remarks, Anutin expressed gratitude towards President Marcos for convening the meeting. He described his dialogue with the Cambodian prime minister as constructive and future-oriented, emphasizing the frank and meaningful nature of their conversations. The meeting served as a valuable platform for both nations to reaffirm their dedication to dialogue and maintaining peace, according to Anutin.
Highlighting the close ties between Thailand and Cambodia, Anutin pointed out the multifaceted connections that bind the two neighboring countries. He underscored the detrimental impact of conflict, which causes loss and hardship for all involved, reinforcing the importance of peace. Anutin advocated for a new chapter in Thai-Cambodian relations, one that would require sincerity, goodwill, and a collective resolve to overcome existing challenges.