Uncertainty looms over Thai-Cambodian border talks

CHANTHABURI, Dec 24 (TNA) - Thai and Cambodian military officials are scheduled to meet Wednesday afternoon at the Ban Pakkad border crossing in Chanthaburi for General Border Committee (GBC) talks. 

The meeting, set for 4:00 p.m. between the secretariats of the General Border Committee (GBC) from both countries aims to address recent border hostilities, though the session remains shrouded in uncertainty following a diplomatic disagreement over the venue.

Phnom Penh recently requested to move the talks to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, citing security concerns on Thai soil. However, Bangkok has rejected the proposal, insisting that the dispute must be handled strictly through bilateral channels on the border. While Cambodian representatives are expected to arrive at the checkpoint by 3:30 p.m., it remains unclear if they will commit to the formal bilateral session.

Thailand is prepared to demand three core conditions for peace: an official declaration of a ceasefire by Cambodia, a verified and continuous halt to hostilities monitored by observers, and sincere cooperation in demining conflict zones. 

Thai officials may also introduce additional undisclosed terms during the negotiations, as military and police units stand by at the immigration building designated for the meeting.

A significant rift remains regarding the meeting's scope. Cambodia is reportedly pushing to include  border demarcation on the agenda, a move Thailand has rejected, arguing that the immediate priority must remain strictly on the ceasefire.  -819 (TNA)