He was responding to a call by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for the two countries to cease hostilities starting at 10pm yesterday, reports the Bangkok Post. That followed an announcement earlier in the day by US President Donald Trump, who said the Thai and Cambodian leaders had agreed to “cease all shooting”.
Neither Anutin nor Hun Manet of Cambodia mentioned any agreement in statements issued after their telephone conversations with Trump.
“It is likely a misunderstanding,” Anutin said. “Currently, there is a lot of communication going on. It would be best to listen to the statements from the military. At this time, there are no ceasefire negotiations, and it is not yet the time for that.”
Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit also said the government had issued no ceasefire order to the armed forces, adding there would be no halt to operations until Cambodia “clearly ceases all hostility” toward Thailand.
Anutin stressed that a genuine ceasefire would have to start with Cambodia submitting a formal proposal directly to Thailand, with all military operations fully halted. A true ceasefire cannot involve only a verbal announcement or partial suspension while troops remain in position, he added.
Mr Anwar said in a statement yesterday that after speaking with Trump, he held separate calls with Anutin and Hun Manet.
“During these exchanges, I conveyed Malaysia’s deep concern over the situation and urged both sides to exercise maximum restraint, cease all forms of hostilities and refrain from any further military actions, including the use of force or forward movement of armed units, with effect from December 13 at 2200,” he said.
To support de-escalation and promote transparency, he said he had requested the deployment of the ASEAN Observer Team, led by the Malaysian chief of defence forces, to monitor developments on the ground.
“This mission will be complemented by satellite monitoring capabilities provided by the United States government, commencing at the same time,” he said.
Findings from the satellite monitoring and field observations would be presented at an ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting on Tuesday for follow-up.
Hun Manet later issued a statement saying that Cambodia had accepted Mr Anwar’s proposal, without elaborating.
Clashes on several fronts
Border fighting continued yesterday, with Thai authorities reporting fresh attacks by Cambodian forces in Ubon Ratchathani, where four Thai soldiers were killed as troops retook the strategic Hill 677.
In Si Sa Ket, Cambodian forces launched rockets into residential areas in Kantharalak district, injuring six civilians and damaging two houses.
Si Sa Ket governor Anurat Thamprachamjit said displaced residents are strictly prohibited from returning home due to the clashes.
In Sa Kaeo, heavy artillery and explosions were reported from 6am in Ban Nong Chan, also known as Chok Chey, in Khok Sung district, with plumes of smoke rising into the sky as Thai forces conducted operations to retake the area. The Burapha Task Force reported that control of Ban Chok Chey had not yet been secured.
Thai forces said they had regained control of Ban Nong Ya Kaeo, also known as Prey Chan, though sporadic fighting continued.
Anutin questioned the credibility of ceasefire claims in light of developments on the ground.
“Is there a ceasefire?” he asked rhetorically. “This morning, Cambodia launched heavy attacks. BM-21 rockets landed in civilian areas, causing severe injuries and loss of limbs. At this point, should Thailand be listening to anyone else?”
He added that focusing on external statements would only distract Thailand from its responsibility to protect lives and territory. “If we spend time listening to this person or that person, will we still have time to safeguard our sovereignty and our people?” he said.
Despite diplomatic efforts, Thai officials said the situation is still volatile. Anutin said Thailand would decide its next steps based on actions, not statements.
“Respect for friendly nations is important,” he said, “but Thailand will act according to what is necessary to protect its sovereignty and its people.”
Elsewhere, Socialist Workers Thailand held a demonstration outside the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre to call for an end to the border war before any more soldiers die. It drew seven people.