Bangkok: Panthep Puapongphan, President of the Yam Fao Paen Din Foundation, has reiterated his stance on the annulment of MOU 43, advocating for the protection of Thailand's sovereignty. He argues that the Cabinet has the power to nullify the memorandum without resorting to a referendum and suggests that closing the border could compel Cambodia to enter into new negotiations.
According to Thai News Agency, Panthep addressed the government's suggestion of a referendum regarding the annulment of MOU 43. He mentioned that the Cabinet could annul the agreement by leveraging Article 60 of the 1969 French-Thai Convention, which allows for immediate treaty annulment if one party has significantly breached the agreement. Panthep noted that recent acts of violence, including the use of war weapons by Cambodia, justify such an action from Thailand. He criticized the idea of a referendum on election day, stating it would transfer decision-making power to a new government without binding results. Panthep declared that he would campaign against MOU 43 to safeguard sovereignty and push for a fair and modern treaty.
Panthep elaborated on the historical context of the Thai-Cambodian border, highlighting that the boundary was established during King Rama V's reign and should not be problematic despite Cambodia's encroachments over the past 25 years. He criticized Cambodia for using a 1:200,000 scale map for territorial claims, which he believes has disadvantaged Thailand. Panthep pointed out that Cambodian civilians, backed by soldiers, have been encroaching on Thai territory under the guise of environmental changes, while Thailand has been largely passive.
He also discussed the violation of MOU 43's terms, emphasizing that Cambodia's actions, such as cutting down trees and erecting structures along the border, have continued despite protests from Thailand. Panthep argued that the ongoing encroachments and Cambodia's potential advantage in international disputes necessitate the annulment of MOU 43. He proposed the use of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to establish a new framework for negotiations.
Panthep dismissed concerns about the absence of MOU 43 leading to a case at the International Court of Justice, noting Thailand's withdrawal from the ICJ in 1960. He asserted that fears of international litigation are unfounded and intended to intimidate Thais into maintaining the MOU. Panthep suggested that a framework for negotiations, such as the Joint Business Council (JBC), could exist even without the MOU, facilitating talks without violating international conditions.
He addressed the possibility of third-country intervention in the border dispute, arguing that such matters are typically bilateral and do not attract external interference unless violence ensues. Panthep emphasized the importance of national support and self-reliance in resolving the issue, citing Cambodia's recent aggressive actions as proof of the bilateral nature of the conflict.
In response to concerns about Cambodia involving a third country like the United States, Panthep dismissed this as a tactic and underscored the importance of Thailand standing firm. He asserted that closing the border is a non-violent economic pressure tactic that would bolster Thailand's position without external interference.