Bangkok: ‘NCPO’ has called for the use of the National Security Council (NSC) mechanism to resolve the ongoing Thai-Cambodian border issue. The People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) urged Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, to employ the NSC’s influence to address the tensions at the Thai-Cambodian border, suggesting that the military should be empowered to make critical decisions in the area.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pichit Chaiyamongkol, the core leader of the Student and People Network for Thailand Reform (SNNRPT), led a delegation to the Ministry of Defense to present their position to Mr. Phumtham. They emphasized the need for immediate action to bring peace and order to the border region, recommending that the NSC should play a more significant role in resolving the issue. Concerns were raised about potential conflicts of interest due to personal relationships between political figures, including Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra and Samdech Hun Sen, but it was stressed that the border dispute transcends familial ties and requires a firm stance from Thailand.
The PAD group clarified that their actions were not to pressure the military but to communicate the urgency to the Minister of Defense. They expressed dissatisfaction with the current political approach, particularly the lack of a clear response from Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra regarding Cambodia’s territorial claims. The upcoming Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting on June 14 in Phnom Penh, especially concerning the Chong Bok area in Ubon Ratchathani Province, is being closely watched, with calls for Thailand to establish a definitive position before negotiations.
The SNNRPT and PAD have urged the defense minister to grant the military more autonomy in border decision-making. Despite the military’s readiness and proposed measures, including potential border closures, there has been insufficient political response. The army, described as strong and prepared, has historically deferred to political leadership, but it is now seen as crucial for political authorities to respect military expertise.
Concerns were also raised that past military proposals to the government have been dismissed, and there is a fear that tensions may escalate after the JBC meeting. It is deemed necessary for the Minister of Defense to leverage the Security Council’s mechanism to address the border situation effectively.
In a show of support, the PAD demonstrated in front of the Royal Thai Army Headquarters to encourage General Pana Klaewplodthuk, the Army Commander overseeing the border situation.