Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Tea Banh held talks with the newly-appointed Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn on September 1 in Phnom Penh, aiming to find ways to enhance their bilateral ties.

Addressing the media after the hour-long meeting, General Tea Banh said the two sides agreed to boost their economic and trade partnership, whilst pledging to work together to tackle trans-boundary crime.

Cambodia asked Thailand to take care of the Cambodian labourers working in Thailand. Tanasak Patimapragorn agreed to the request and promised to enhance the rights of migrant workers in his country.

Regarding the 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple, Tea Banh stated that border issues between the two countries are no longer a concern.

However, Cambodia and Thailand have yet to resume discussions on the implementation of the International Court of Justice’s ruling on the 4.6 square kilometre temple complex.

This was Tanasak Patimapragorn’s first visit to Cambodia, who also acts as Deputy Chief of the National Council for Peace and Order in Thailand.

He was accompanied by Education Minister Adm Narong Pipattanasai, Transport Minister ACM Prajin Juntong, Deputy Defence Minister General Udomdej Sitabutr, Deputy Supreme Commander General Worapong Sanganet, and other high-ranking military officers.

Later that day, the Thai delegation was scheduled to meet Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.-VNA