Bangkok: Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, the former Minister to the Prime Minister's Office and Deputy Leader of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, has voiced support for establishing a fast and clear communication team to foster understanding among the Thai populace. He has urged the government to collaborate with the military to refine negotiation strategies with other countries, emphasizing caution to avoid any disadvantage.
According to Thai News Agency, Thanakorn highlighted that the ongoing Thai-Cambodian border situation is a significant national concern. He expressed worries that Thailand might find itself at a disadvantage compared to Cambodia, as evidenced by Thailand's delayed response, issuing a statement a week after Cambodia. He noted that Cambodia has been resistant to bilateral negotiations, preferring instead to address the issue through the International Court of Justice, which he claims breaches the MOU 2000 agreement. Thanakorn suggests that the government and military should align strategies, with the military taking a central role in assessing the situation. He advocates for the formation of an international political and military communication team to ensure unified and transparent communication, thereby bolstering public understanding and confidence. This approach aims to prevent the issue from becoming a tool for domestic political attacks.
Furthermore, Thanakorn proposed that the government send a letter to the Chinese Embassy, expressing concerns over the joint naval exercises conducted by China and Cambodia from June 11-13. This communication would precede the JBC negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia scheduled for June 14, aiming to maintain China's neutrality in the delicate situation. He expressed confidence that China would act cautiously to preserve its relations with Thailand.
'I would like to support the government to coordinate with the military in the same direction strongly to create excitement and confidence for Thai people and should adjust the international political-military strategy because Cambodia did not comply with the MOU 2000, which Thailand clearly announced is not under the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice. I would like to take this opportunity to invite Thai people to have love and unity, not to let this issue create division among the people of the nation. I would like to encourage the government, all commanders of the armed forces and all military officers to perform their duties to protect Thailand's sovereignty strongly,' said Mr. Thanakorn.