- Photo: The Nation/ANN
BANGKOK: Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Saturday (June 7) issued a statement regarding the ongoing tensions at the Thai-Cambodian border after Cambodia rejected efforts to de-escalate the situation and instead increased its military presence.
The statement, issued at 7am on June 7, reads as follows:
“On June 5, I had a discussion with the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Cambodia to exchange views on the border situation at Aranyaprathet in Sa Kaeo Province.
Following the discussion, certain information was released to the public, which deviated from the content discussed in the meeting. Unfortunately, the constructive proposal aimed at reducing confrontation and fostering peace was rejected. Furthermore, Cambodia escalated the situation by increasing military forces, heightening the tensions in the area.
We, too, find it necessary to reinforce our measures and strengthen our presence. However, I would like to emphasize our position, as discussed with the Prime Minister, as follows:
1. Thailand will not allow any violation of its sovereignty under any circumstances and is fully prepared to defend the sovereignty of the nation to the best of its ability.
2. I reaffirm my support for the military in carrying out its duties to the fullest and express my encouragement to all personnel currently working to protect Thailand’s territory. I stress that all actions taken by Thailand will prioritize the safety, peace, and security of the people living in the border areas, as well as the well-being of our dedicated military personnel.
3. Thailand has not accepted the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) since 1960 and continues to support the use of bilateral negotiations under the 2000 MOU agreed upon by both parties. We also reaffirm that the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) should be the platform for finding a peaceful resolution as soon as possible.
4. Thailand maintains its original stance and requests that both sides adjust their military forces back to their original positions, as practiced in 2024, to reduce the conditions that escalate tensions and confrontation.
Finally, I want to make it absolutely clear that I do not agree with any actions that encroach upon Thailand’s sovereignty. The government and the military are fully prepared to protect and preserve the sovereignty of our country at all costs.” - The Nation/ANN
