Thai Defence minister signals possible closure of border points if talk fails

Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said today that Thailand may resort to closing some border checkpoints with Cambodia, if negotiations through the JBC framework fail to produce a solution to the border dispute.

The minister conducted an inspection trip to Chong Bok pass in Ubon Ratchathani yesterday, the scene of May 28 clash between Thai and Cambodian forces, to hear a briefing about the border situation from the Second Army Region.

Phumtham said that Cambodian troops had strayed into “No Man’s Land” at the Chong Bok pass, but not onto Thai territory, which would have been considered a violation of the agreement under the JBC framework. He also denied that the “No Man’s Land” has been mined.

Phumtham yesterday visited the area in Ubon Ratchathani's Nam Yuen district where the clash took place.

The minister asked opposition MPs to exercise caution when sharing information on social media regarding the border situation, noting that many fake news items have been circulating.

He said that the JBC session on June 14, to be hosted by Cambodia in Phnom Penh, will focus on the Chong Bok pass, sovereignty over which is disputed by the two countries.

Regarding Cambodia’s choice to refer the dispute over four ancient temples to the ICJ, Phumtham said Thailand has made clear, in the Cabinet resolution of March 19th last year, that it will not recognise the ICJ.

The defence minister has scheduled a meeting of the National Security Council tomorrow, to assess the border developments and to decide upon measures to cope with the situation.

Meanwhile, it is reported that the Cambodian Navy will hold a live fire exercise from June 11th to 13th, near Puluwei and Tang islands in the South China Sea.

Chinese war ships, currently docked at Ream naval base, will also participate.