Bangkok: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated its stance on keeping the Thai-Cambodian border checkpoints closed until certain conditions are fulfilled. The ministry responded after an influx of criticism from Thai tour groups targeted the Japanese Embassy's Facebook page, demanding the border's reopening. The conditions for reopening include the withdrawal of heavy weapons, demining, and the suppression of scams.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nikorndej Plangkura, Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shared the outcomes of the special meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) between Thailand and Cambodia. Held in Koh Kong, Cambodia, the meeting marked a significant step as both nations committed to a ceasefire agreement and discussed numerous critical issues. These included landmine clearance and combating online crime, which Thailand has been advocating.
For the demining initiative, a joint coordination committee is set to be established within a week to draft a plan and identify pilot areas, with implementation slated to begin within a month. In terms of combating online crime, the meeting tasked the Ministries of the Interior and the Royal Thai Police with forming a working group within a week to develop a joint action plan. Thailand has already provided Cambodia with information on over 60 scammer locations. A coordination meeting is scheduled for September 16th in Sa Kaeo Province.
The discussions also covered four pressing issues that impact the security and well-being of people in border areas. These issues include the removal of heavy weapons from border areas, effective border management, curbing provocative rhetoric, and easing border crossing restrictions for specific categories. The primary aim is to alleviate the impact on citizens and border trade operators, enabling them to resume economic activities.
Mr. Nikorndet emphasized that, as explained by Deputy Minister of Defense General Nattapol Nakphanit, the border crossing will remain closed until there is significant progress in the withdrawal of heavy weapons, joint demining efforts, and the suppression of scams to build mutual trust.
The success of the GBC discussions in using bilateral mechanisms to address mutual concerns hinges on the sincerity of both parties in adhering to agreements. The next special GBC meeting is scheduled to be held in 30 days, hosted by Thailand.
Thailand aims to resolve the border dispute with Cambodia peacefully and sustainably, focusing on protecting sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the welfare of people in the border areas.
In response to the Japanese Embassy's request to reopen the border, Mr. Nikorndet clarified that while Japan is affected by the closure due to cross-border supply chain issues, the process of meeting the conditions for reopening will take time. He stressed that until the conditions of demining, weapon withdrawal, and scam suppression are met, reopening the border remains an idea rather than a reality.