Anutin, Hun Manet agree to rebuild trust after Cebu trilateral talks

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet agreed to pursue peace and rebuild mutual trust following trilateral talks hosted by Philippine President Bongbong Marcos in Cebu on Thursday evening.

The meeting, held at the Shangri-La Mactan ahead of the 48th ASEAN Summit, was initiated by the Philippines in its role as ASEAN chair to discuss the Thai-Cambodian situation.

Speaking after the talks, Anutin thanked Marcos for facilitating what he described as an important meeting. He said discussions with Hun Manet were constructive, forward-looking and candid, while reaffirming both sides’ commitment to dialogue and peace.

Anutin said Thailand and Cambodia share close ties in many areas and stressed that conflict only brings loss and suffering to all parties.

“It is time for both countries to look forward and open a new chapter in relations,” he said, adding that rebuilding ties would require sincerity, honesty and a shared commitment to overcoming challenges together.

Thailand and Cambodia also agreed to assign their foreign ministers to jointly develop practical confidence-building measures, starting with areas where both sides share common ground and can take immediate action.

The Thai premier said the measures would help gradually restore trust and strengthen bilateral relations.

He added that both countries should increase direct communication at all levels to reduce misunderstandings and expand cooperation in areas of mutual benefit.

On land and maritime boundary issues, Anutin said Thailand proposed approaches for future discussions based on good neighbourly relations.

He described the meeting as an important step toward creating an atmosphere conducive to peace and regional cooperation, while reaffirming Thailand’s readiness to work constructively with all parties based on mutual respect and shared interests.