Aranyaprathet: "Rome" visited the Khlong Luek checkpoint in Aranyaprathet to observe the measures to open and close Thai-Cambodian borders. He clearly saw that Cambodia closed its doors unilaterally. He saw the audio clip and personal relationship, making negotiations difficult. This became a situation that gave "Cambodia" an advantage. He pointed out that more than 7 Thai politicians had opened accounts in Cambodia. Meanwhile, "business owners" complained and demanded that the checkpoint be opened.
According to Thai News Agency, the National Security Committee, Thai Border Affairs, National Strategy and Reform, visited Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province for the second consecutive day. Today, they traveled to the Khlong Luek border checkpoint to observe the opening and closing measures of the Thai-Cambodian border checkpoint.
Mr. Rangsiman Rome, MP for the party list and deputy leader of the Prachachon Party, as chairman of the committee on state security, Thai border affairs, national strategy and national reform, said that the Ban Khlong Luek border crossing used to be a point for trade and entry and exit of both countries. It can be seen that the Thai side of the border is open, but the Cambodian side of the border is closed. We have seen the people who came to demand that the border be opened so that trade can return to normal because many people have lost their jobs. Trade between the two countries is still a problem as to how to proceed.
The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia is intertwined with many issues, one of which is the conflict between governments and the suppression of the call center gang. How to resolve this issue is still a problem. I believe that if this issue can be resolved, many problems will be solved. Because when trade between Thailand and Cambodia cannot take place, it affects both countries. It does not only affect the people of Aranyaprathet and Sa Kaeo, but the impact is widespread. If these issues can be resolved, it will benefit the people of both countries.
For the call center problem, it is something that cannot be tolerated. Therefore, we must find measures to solve the problem. There are many methods. Look at the case of Thailand and Myanmar. We have cooperation with China. Similarly, in the case of Thailand and Cambodia, we must cooperate with other countries to solve this problem. The people's demand is that closing the border will not solve the call center problem. Therefore, the government must consider how to arrange closing the border and solving the call center problem. Because in the end, it will cause problems for the economies of both countries. Therefore, it must be fair. How to negotiate between the two countries is a challenge for our country at this time.
As for the negotiations to have Cambodia open the border, Mr. Rangsiman believes that there must be discussions, but we have limitations in the image of the government, both the leaked audio clip and personal relationships, which make negotiations to open the border more and more difficult. If we listen to the leaked audio clip, Cambodia told Thailand to open first, but in reality, Thailand is open. But he probably meant to open for the same time and not limit people entering and leaving. Because the approach that the government and the Thailand team use is to control people, preventing people who work in call centers or casinos from being able to enter and leave easily, which is the flag that the government is trying to do.
The point is that Cambodia wants to open the border as usual because the call center business is the main business. But today, Cambodia is testing its courage by closing all the borders to damage the Thai economy. It has been damaged, but it does not care about those things. So when it comes to reopening the borders, there are two things that the government has to think about: 1. Measures to suppress the call center gang. 2. The opening of the borders should not be done by one person first, but should be done simultaneously. Before reaching an agreement, both parties must accept the agreement. But right now, there is still a problem with the relationship between the government and the government, which is like an enemy. Therefore, the negotiations at that stage are problematic.
In the case where Samdech Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate, and Mr. Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, clearly stated that Thailand must open the border first, will the negotiations still be effective? Mr. Rangsiman stated that the negotiations are necessary. To make the negotiations effective is to solve the call center problem effectively. Today, there will be discussions in the provinces because we have a list of some people involved in the wallet and those in power in Cambodia. According to that, the negotiations will be more effective. It does not mean that the call center gangs will be gone, but at least if there is some progress, the negotiations will be easier.
For the current political atmosphere in Thailand, there is the issue of the legitimacy of the government or whether we will have a more stable government, which is an important part of the negotiations. Therefore, there are many factors involved in the negotiations. And we must admit that those in power in Cambodia watch and follow Thai politics in detail. They will probably assess and find an opportunity to put themselves in an advantageous position. And I can confirm that the matter of Thai politicians opening bank accounts in Cambodia right now is likely to be more than 7 people. There is clear evidence.
In this regard, there were entrepreneurs in the area who were affected by Cambodia's border closure measures. They gathered in front of the Khlong Luek border checkpoint, led by Mr. Somkuan Phuansrikham, an importer and exporter, who submitted a letter to Mr. Rangsiman with 7 demands, asking him to review the border closure measures. He stated that entrepreneurs were affected and could not work, and the problem occurred in Ubon Ratchathani Province, but 5 other provinces were affected.
As for solving the call center and scammer problems in Poipet, Cambodia, closing the border will not solve the problem because these groups are prepared and are not affected at all. But the people who are affected are the people who earn an honest living. As for the insecurity, we have ambassadors. If there is a problem, the ambassador will work first. But if there is a risk of war, we will talk about it later. But right now, the people have to feed themselves and if they are going to do anything, they have to inform the people in advance so they are prepared.
In addition, products exported from the Khlong Luek border checkpoint are products produced nationwide. Therefore, it is expected that this will directly affect the Thai economy and labor. Therefore, I would like to ask those in power to review and solve this problem for the people. If they do not take action, a lot more damage will follow.
Mr. Rangsiman said that he went to the area since yesterday and learned that there were many people suffering. It must be admitted that the conflict that occurred has also affected people who were not in the conflict. When damage occurs, if the government is going to close the border, it must be followed by remedial measures. As the chairman of the committee, we have already talked to the government initially, but after receiving the letter, we confirmed that we will talk more to hasten the search for a plan to support the impact on the people. We confirm that the letter will definitely not disappear.