Bangkok: Returning after a three-hour closed-door meeting, "Big Lek" provided insights to the Security Committee concerning the ongoing Thai-Cambodian border situation. The Deputy Commander of the 2nd Army Region emphasized the need for Thailand to maintain composure leading up to the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) negotiations scheduled for June 14. The Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting is expected to take place at the end of June.
According to Thai News Agency, General Nattapol Nakphanit, Deputy Minister of Defense, delivered a comprehensive briefing on the border issue to the House Committee on State Security, Thai Border Affairs, National Strategy and Reform. The session, lasting nearly three hours, was held in secrecy without media presence. Post-meeting, General Nattapol indicated that Mr. Rangsiman Rome, committee chairman, would provide further details. He also noted that once this briefing concluded, no further sessions would follow, and the National Security Council (NSC) had not yet convened on the matter.
When questioned about Cambodia's demands related to the dispute, General Nattapol deferred to Mr. Rangsiman for an overarching explanation. Regarding border measures, General Nattapol humorously excused himself to the restroom without providing specifics. On the strategy for the JBC negotiations, he clarified that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was responsible, and no representative from the ministry was present to address the committee. General Nattapol emphasized that the Ministry of Defense would not discuss topics outside its purview.
General Nattapol was also asked if the army had contingency plans in case negotiations failed. He responded that such matters would be addressed by the National Security Council, which had historically guided the process. He confirmed that Thailand's stance would need to be more composed ahead of the June 14 negotiations.
When reporters sought comments on internal issues within the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, General Nattapol, on his way to the elevator, humorously remarked that it was full, laughed, and left the parliament.
Lieutenant General Nat Sri-in, Deputy Commander of Army Region 2, confirmed that the RBC meeting on June 27-28 would proceed as planned, continuing discussions as scheduled.