Thai, Cambodian Forces to Begin Phased Withdrawal of Heavy Weapons from Border

SURIN, Oct 30 (TNA) - Thai and Cambodian regional military commands have agreed to begin a phased withdrawal of heavy weapons from their shared border, starting precisely at midnight on November 1, the two sides announced following a coordination meeting.

The decision, formalized during a Regional Border Committee (RBC) secretaries’ meeting on Wednesday, outlines an action plan to remove heavy weaponry in three phases, a move agreed upon after a special session of the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee (GBC). 

The first phase, designated Type A, will commence on November 1 with the withdrawal of multiple-launch rocket systems—specifically the BM-21. Phase 2 (Type B) will follow three weeks later on November 22, targeting all artillery, including towed and self-propelled guns up to 155mm. The final Phase 3 (Type C) will begin on December 13 and focus on armoured vehicles and tanks.

The formal "Record of Meeting" is slated for signature on October 31 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chong Chom – O’Smach Permanent Border Crossing by Lt. Gen. Weerayuth Raksin, Commander of the Thai Second Army Area, and his counterpart from Cambodia’s Region 4 Military. 

Following the launch of the withdrawal on November 1, a review meeting is set for November 15 to assess Phase 1 implementation, resolve any issues, and prepare the ground for the subsequent withdrawals in Phases 2 and 3, ensuring all involved parties have time to plan for inspection and movement. -819 (TNA)