Bangkok: The Senate Military Committee has called for a debate to compel the government to clarify the ongoing issues concerning the Thai-Cambodian border. The committee has invoked Section 153, urging the government to provide clear answers and ensure that Thailand does not engage with the International Court of Justice, emphasizing the importance of a solid dialogue mechanism.
According to Thai News Agency, General Sawat Tasana, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Military Affairs and State Security, expressed dissatisfaction with the outcomes of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting, which he believes have not benefitted Thailand. The committee has previously condemned Cambodia's actions along the Thai-Cambodian border, particularly in Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, where tensions have escalated following an incident on May 28, 2025. The committee is now requesting a special session of parliament to address these issues comprehensively and urgently.
The Senate has expressed frustration over the government's lack of response to their requests for cooperation in resolving the border dispute. The committee seeks to leverage its right to open a general debate, as per Section 153 of the Thai Constitution, to allow senators to propose solutions and encourage the government to make decisive actions swiftly. The committee argues that the government's failure to respond to the Cambodian side and the absence of clear measures have resulted in the unsuccessful 6th Thailand-Cambodia Joint Boundary Commission meeting and have allowed Cambodia to present distorted facts internationally.
General Kriangkrai Srirak, First Vice President of the Senate, highlighted the unresolved outcomes of the recent JBC meeting, emphasizing that the government must clearly state that Thailand will not take the matter to the International Court of Justice. He also criticized the use of a 1:200,000 map by Cambodia, urging the government to clarify this issue to prevent further public panic.
Kriangkrai further mentioned that the government should empower military and security forces to manage border checkpoints decisively and swiftly. He stressed the importance of national interest and territorial integrity, urging the government to adhere to existing dialogue mechanisms and resolve the dispute while considering national sacrifices.
Despite the Senate's call for a special session to discuss the matter, the government has deemed it unnecessary. Kriangkrai emphasized that a general debate would provide an opportunity for parliament members to express their views and help shape a comprehensive approach to resolving the Thai-Cambodian border dispute. He reassured that adhering to the outlined framework would not disadvantage Thailand, particularly concerning border demarcation.
In response to rumors about the Thai Prime Minister's alleged favoritism towards Cambodia, Kriangkrai stated that such claims are unfounded and that a general debate would allow the government to address these social media rumors and provide clarity to the public.