(Phnom Penh/Bangkok, 3rd) Cambodia and Thailand, in accordance with the agreement, simultaneously launched the first phase of withdrawing heavy weapons from the border on November 1, with an ASEAN observer team present to witness and ensure both parties abide by the agreement and withdraw in an orderly manner.
The Cambodian Army’s official website announced on Sunday (November 2) that on Saturday afternoon, the Cambodian military began withdrawing BM-21 multiple rocket launchers, Type 90 rocket launchers, and 155mm howitzers from Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces.
The Khmer Times quoted Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Marie Sucheata as saying: “Cambodia firmly believes that in the spirit of sincerity, goodwill, and transparency, both Cambodia and Thailand can fully and effectively implement the Joint Statement signed in Kuala Lumpur, contributing to peace, stability, and rapid restoration of normal order for the benefit of both peoples.”
There has been a long-standing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. This July, both sides experienced their most intense armed conflict in decades, resulting in at least 43 deaths, over 200 injured, and more than 300,000 people displaced. After months of standoff and international mediation, the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia signed a peace agreement in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, witnessed by U.S. President Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar.
Thailand and Cambodia subsequently reached further agreements on concrete actions, agreeing to withdraw heavy weapons from the border in three phases. The first phase, beginning November 1, involves the removal of multiple rocket launchers. The second phase will start on November 22, withdrawing 155mm and smaller caliber artillery pieces over an estimated three weeks. The third phase will begin on December 13, removing tanks and armored personnel carriers, and is expected to last six weeks.
Both countries also agreed to initiate demining operations in consensus areas and strengthen cooperation to combat transnational criminal networks. Thailand stated it would release 18 Cambodian soldiers detained during the border conflict once Cambodia fulfills all conditions.
The Cambodian Army’s official website announced on Sunday (November 2) that on Saturday afternoon, the Cambodian military began withdrawing BM-21 multiple rocket launchers, Type 90 rocket launchers, and 155mm howitzers from Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces.
The Khmer Times quoted Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Marie Sucheata as saying: “Cambodia firmly believes that in the spirit of sincerity, goodwill, and transparency, both Cambodia and Thailand can fully and effectively implement the Joint Statement signed in Kuala Lumpur, contributing to peace, stability, and rapid restoration of normal order for the benefit of both peoples.”
There has been a long-standing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. This July, both sides experienced their most intense armed conflict in decades, resulting in at least 43 deaths, over 200 injured, and more than 300,000 people displaced. After months of standoff and international mediation, the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia signed a peace agreement in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, witnessed by U.S. President Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar.
Thailand and Cambodia subsequently reached further agreements on concrete actions, agreeing to withdraw heavy weapons from the border in three phases. The first phase, beginning November 1, involves the removal of multiple rocket launchers. The second phase will start on November 22, withdrawing 155mm and smaller caliber artillery pieces over an estimated three weeks. The third phase will begin on December 13, removing tanks and armored personnel carriers, and is expected to last six weeks.
Both countries also agreed to initiate demining operations in consensus areas and strengthen cooperation to combat transnational criminal networks. Thailand stated it would release 18 Cambodian soldiers detained during the border conflict once Cambodia fulfills all conditions.