Bangkok (VNA) - Thai Defence Minister General Nattapon Nakpanich announced that Thailand and Cambodia have reached an agreement on a plan to complete the withdrawal of heavy weapons, carry out demining operations, and strengthen border coordination within the next three months.
He said that by the evening of October 26, both sides had begun withdrawing heavy weapons, though the types of weapons removed by Thailand and Cambodia differ.
The withdrawal will take place in three phases. Phase 1 began immediately on the night of October 26, Phase 2 will start within three weeks, and Phase 3 in the sixth week. Weapons will be withdrawn in batches, and discussions are under way to decide which equipment will be removed in each phase. Both sides must withdraw simultaneously in every phase, Nattapon stressed.
When asked about the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), he explained that its initial mandate will last about three months, with the option of extension if necessary. Within this period, the AOT expects progress in three key areas, the withdrawal of heavy weapons, clearance of unexploded ordnance and landmines along the border, with completion targeted for December 17.
He added that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has approved the establishment of a special working group chaired by Supreme Commander Gen Ukrit Boontanon, with members from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Security Council, and the Ministry of Interior to coordinate implementation and reassure the public.
Nattapon also noted that each country will be responsible for clearing landmines on its own territory./.
