Senior Thai diplomats stressed the importance of rebuilding trust and restoring peace with Cambodia at a press conference Tuesday in Bangkok, following a trilateral meeting hosted by China.
The meeting, held Monday in China's southwestern Yunnan Province, followed a ceasefire agreement reached over the weekend at the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand. The trilateral meeting brought together the foreign ministers of Thailand and Cambodia, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi serving as host.
Speaking to reporters, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow emphasized that Thai-Cambodian relations must develop at a pace that makes both sides comfortable.
"They cannot force the pace. We have to go at the pace that is comfortable to both countries and in the end it is about two countries sorting things out bilaterally," said Sihasak.
The meeting came at a crucial time as both countries observe the first 72 hours of the uneasy ceasefire. Thailand underlined its appreciation for China's neutral role in hosting the meeting, and acknowledged China's continued support, including monitoring the ceasefire and providing humanitarian demining assistance if needed.
"We think at the current moment we can manage to deal with the situation bilaterally. Should the need arise Thailand and Cambodia should consult each other first and then ask. China says it is ready to provide assistance, if needed," said Nikorndej Balankura, spokesman of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Thai government also confirmed on Wednesday the repatriation of 18 detained Cambodian soldiers in line with a previously signed joint statement. The move is seen as an important step toward easing border tensions and fostering renewed dialogue between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.
Thailand to continue talks with Cambodia after trilateral meeting in China
U.S. President Donald Trump posted "Tuesday, 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time!" on social media on Sunday, a message that appeared to signal a possible extension of the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
On March 21, Trump threatened to hit and obliterate Iranian power plants if the country fails to fully open the strait within 48 hours. Two days later, he postponed strikes on power plants for five days, claiming to have held productive conversations with Iran.
On March 26, Trump again pushed the deadline back, saying that he will pause planned strikes on Iranian energy facilities for 10 days, to April 6, the upcoming Monday at 20:00 Eastern Time. On Saturday, Trump reaffirmed that Iran has 48 hours to strike a deal on opening up the strait or face "Hell."
However, in the post on Sunday, Trump appeared to hint at extending the deadline for Iran to reopen the strait for another time.
In a post earlier Sunday, the U.S. president threatened that Tuesday would be "Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one" for Iran, and again urged Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the threats, Trump said on Sunday that he believes a deal can be reached before the deadline, adding that Iran is currently negotiating. If Iran refuses, he said he is considering bombing everything and seizing Iran's oil.
Ali Abdollahi, chief commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, responded Saturday that the Iranian armed forces would not hesitate for a moment to defend the country's rights and protect national assets and will put the aggressors in their place.
Trump also claimed that earlier this year, the U.S. sent weapons to Iranian protesters through the Kurds, though he believes the Kurds took them.
He also said he was very satisfied with a recent operation to rescue the pilot of a U.S. fighter jet that was shot down in Iranian airspace. He said Israel had assisted with the rescue, describing the bilateral relationship as big brother and little brother.
Trump hints at extending deadline for Iran to reopen Strait of Hormuz
