February 4, 2022
PHNOM PENH – Thailand is committed to working with Cambodia in the interest of peace and security in both countries, and scale up cooperative efforts to combat transnational crimes, drug and human trafficking, along with illegal logging, according to Royal Thai Army commander-in-chief General Narongphan Jitkaewthae.
The Thai army chief made the commitment at a meeting with Prime Minister Hun Sen on February 3 at the Peace Palace during his two-day visit to Cambodia, noted a post on Hun Sen’s Facebook page put up later in the day.
“[General Narongphan] said that the Cambodian and Thai armies have had good relations for a long time. He [the army chief] will maintain this good relationship and continue to promote cooperation on combatting transnational crimes, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and the illegal logging of timber.
“His Excellency is ready to cooperate with the Cambodian army to protect peace and security across the two countries,” the post said.
Hun Sen said relations between the two neighbouring countries run deep, shaped by mutual trust.
He suggested the army also take on the role of diplomats to maintain peace and stability; turn border areas into models of peace, friendship and development; and bolster confidence among the people and businesses.
The premier also thanked Bangkok for its assistance to Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand and its approval for Cambodians to seek treatment in the country.
On regional issues, General Narongphan voiced support for Hun Sen’s recent visit to Myanmar, saying he trusts that the premier would bring solidarity and progress to ASEAN during Cambodia’s chairmanship, the Facebook post said.