Bangkok: Rome is closely monitoring Cambodia's stance following the GBC meeting on landmines and call centers, warning the government not to ease measures to suppress call center gangs during border negotiations. The House Security Committee aims to hasten the conclusion of border laws before their expiration.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Rangsiman Rome, a party-list MP and deputy leader of the Prachachon Party and chairman of the House of Representatives' Committee on State Security, Thai Border Affairs, National Strategy, and National Reform, addressed the agenda for the Thai-Cambodian border meeting. He indicated that the current agenda is internal, focusing on several issues including special laws and laws related to security in the three southern border provinces. He emphasized the importance of swift submission to the House of Representatives, highlighting the need for a directly responsible agency and a comprehensive framework for addressing border issues. With the growing complexity of these issues, he called for a complete overhaul to be completed urgently, pushing for quick finalization and submission to the general meeting.
When questioned about the GBC meeting's outcomes, Mr. Rangsiman pointed out the critical issues of troop withdrawal, the crackdown on call center gangs, and landmines. He noted the uncertainty surrounding Cambodia's trust-building efforts in these negotiations, given past experiences from 2011 to the present, which suggest that immediate progress in GBC negotiations is unlikely. He anticipates further detailed discussions to ensure Cambodia's compliance with the agreement, acknowledging the challenges in achieving the negotiated results by the Deputy Minister of Defense.
Rangsiman Rome also emphasized the non-negotiable nature of cracking down on scammers and call center gangs, categorizing it as a serious transnational crime. During the upcoming AIPA meeting of ASEAN parliamentarians, he plans to present demands to the Political Committee for intensified action against call center gangs, stressing that compromise is not an option. He expressed hope that leniency towards call center gangs would not be leveraged in border negotiations, as it would significantly impact the Thai people. He asserted the need to escalate the issue beyond the ICC mechanism, acknowledging Cambodia's commitment to crack down on these gangs and the necessity of verifying their actions.
Regarding concerns about remaining explosive reserves post-force withdrawal, Mr. Rangsiman highlighted the importance of addressing landmines due to their violation of the Ostava Treaty and the harm they cause. He mentioned the need for detailed examination and assessment of Cambodia's demining assistance, hoping for full cooperation in this matter.
On Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet's congratulations to Anutin Charnvirakul upon his appointment as Thailand's 32nd Prime Minister, Rangsiman refrained from speculation. He emphasized the importance of Thailand taking necessary actions, including negotiations, to prevent armed conflict, which is detrimental to all parties. He stressed the need for preparedness for all potential scenarios, including worst-case scenarios, while acknowledging uncertainty about the Cambodian Prime Minister's intentions.