KUALA LUMPUR - Thailand’s Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow said discussions with Cambodia on border issues must wait until a new Thai government takes office.

He said Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Manet recently posted that talks with Thailand on returning border areas could take place after the Songkran festival.

Sihasak said Cambodia had proposed holding a meeting of the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).

He added that any negotiations must remain within the agreed framework and issues related to territory should be discussed as part of the boundary demarcation process.

Sihasak said Thailand must first wait for a new government before deciding when it would be ready to attend a JBC meeting.

He said Cambodia was seeking talks following the latest clashes along the border.

However, he explained that landmine clearance and action against scam networks are not matters for the JBC because Cambodia is already required to address them under ceasefire arrangements.

Sihasak said Cambodia must still cooperate in clearing landmines if Thailand is ready to proceed with the work.

He added that scam operations are a global issue and Cambodia needs to take the matter seriously as it knows where such networks are based.

Sihasak said if Cambodia wants to push forward with border demarcation through the JBC, the areas must first be cleared of landmines to ensure safety.

He said the JBC’s main role is to manage boundary demarcation in line with international law.

On the issue of revoking MOU 44, Sihasak said the matter should wait until the new government presents its policy statement to Parliament.

He added that discussions had already suggested the issue should be handled by the incoming administration.

Asked about comments by United States President Donald Trump that the Middle East conflict could end soon, Sihasak said such an outcome would be positive as many countries have been affected.

He said the conflict must end through negotiations and peaceful solutions rather than military action to ensure long-term stability.

Sihasak also responded to questions from transgender groups requesting the use of the title ‘Miss’ when travelling abroad.

He said the issue was known to authorities and could usually be clarified with immigration officials in the destination country.

He added that any legal changes in Thailand would require further study because adjustments would also affect official documents and passport details.