New Thai foreign minister calls for troop reductions with Cambodia

25/9/2025 15:33

Thailand and Cambodia should scale back their military presence along their shared border and work together to de-escalate tensions, Thailand's new foreign minister told reporters on Thursday.



Formally sworn into office along with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul a day earlier, Sihasak Phuangketkeow stressed the need to uphold the ceasefire agreed by Thailand and Cambodia at the end of a deadly five-day conflict in July.



He told reporters on his first day as foreign minister that his priority is to secure peace between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.



The two countries need to implement the joint actions that were agreed during a dialogue earlier this month, including the reduction of forces, the clearance of landmines and a crackdown on illegal activities, he added.



"Peace needs reduction of forces like the withdrawing of heavy weaponry from border areas to reduce the risk of violence," Sihasak said.



"We have agreed these things in principle, but what we need to see now is progress," he said.