BANGKOK – Thailand and Cambodia have finalized a three-phase plan to withdraw heavy weaponry from their shared border, with the entire process scheduled for completion within six weeks. Thai Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Nakpanich confirmed the agreement, noting that the first symbolic withdrawal was conducted last Sunday evening following the joint declaration signed at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

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The withdrawal framework stipulates that the second phase will be implemented within three weeks and the final phase within six weeks. Specific details regarding the types and quantities of weapons to be removed in each phase remain subject to further discussion between the two nations’ military commands. Gen Nattaphon emphasized the urgency of Cambodia withdrawing its BM-21 multiple rocket systems from border areas, citing the serious threat they pose to Thai civilian populations.

The ASEAN Observer Team has been allocated approximately three months to monitor the weapon withdrawal process, with provisions for extension if necessary. Concurrently, demining operations in Sa Kaeo province’s Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaew areas are progressing, with completion expected by December 17. Similar demining initiatives are underway in territories under the supervision of Thailand’s Second Army Region.

Cambodian authorities have confirmed the initiation of heavy weapon removal, describing it as the first phase of implementing the historic Kuala Lumpur peace agreement. The National Television of Cambodia broadcast live footage showing tanks, armored personnel carriers, and military trucks being withdrawn from border positions. Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, spokeswoman for Cambodia’s National Defence Ministry, verified that the Observer Coordination Team had inspected returned armored vehicles at their Banteay Srei district base in Siem Reap province.

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The peace agreement has received widespread international endorsement, with Japan, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, Vietnam, and Laos all praising the accord as a significant advancement for regional stability. The coordinated withdrawal represents a substantial step toward normalizing relations between the two Southeast Asian neighbors after prolonged border tensions.

-Thailand News (TN)