Thai Foreign Minister seeks to boost country's presence on world stage

He also hopes Trump won't side with Cambodia in peace talks with Thailand

- Ho Ai Li Assistant Foreign Editor

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, who was in Singapore on an introductory visit, said on Oct 22 that if all goes well, the Thai and Cambodian prime ministers will sign a joint declaration this weekend that is expected to cover the removal of heavy weapons and landmines at the two countries' shared border.

(ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG)

Bangkok is open to the United States playing a constructive role in peace talks between Thailand and Cambodia, but hopes US President Donald Trump will not favour the Cambodians just because they had nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

In an exclusive interview with The Straits Times on Oct 22, visiting Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said if the discussions go well, a joint declaration will be signed at the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur by the Thai and Cambodian prime ministers this weekend. The document is expected to cover the removal of heavy weapons and landmines at the two countries’ shared border, among other things, he said.

On Mr Trump’s role in the Thai-Cambodian peace process, Mr Sihasak said Thailand was “interested in dealing with the issues and trying to find solutions”, and welcomed the US playing “any constructive role”.

Asked if Bangkok was worried that Mr Trump might tilt towards the Cambodians given their Nobel Peace Prize nomination, Mr Sihasak said he hoped that this would not be the case.

“Because I think if President Trump would like to be a man of peace, he would have to work towards real peace, and not just a piece of document. That has been our position,” he said during the interview at the Shangri-La hotel.