Thai government, military stand together to safeguard sovereignty - PM

A joint panel will be set up to handle the ongoing border tension with Cambodia, with the Foreign Ministry and the Army tasked with communicating with the public, Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said today.

He was speaking after attending a meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and attended by Supreme Commander Gen Songwit Noonpackdee, National Security Council Chief Chatchai Bangchuad, as well as the military’s commanders-in-chief.

Phumtham said the meeting focused on protecting Thailand’s sovereignty while maintaining relationships with neighbouring countries.

Paetongtarn revealed that the meeting discussed preparations for potential situations along the Thai-Cambodian border. She reiterated that all parties concerned must discuss any actions before they are implemented.

“What we need is unity in our efforts, as we do not want any fake news suggesting that the government and the military are in conflict over the handling of the border tension with Cambodia. There is no problem between us at all,” the prime minister insisted.

During the meeting, responsibilities were assigned to ensure unity, she said.

The military reported that it is prepared for all situations and scenarios and will be at the forefront of decision-making and the prime minister emphasised that the armed forces will pursue peaceful means as much as possible.

Phumtham commented on the possible closure of border passes, saying that the meeting considered various countermeasures in response to various levels of escalation. The ad hoc panel will be in charge of overseeing these measures.

“We are seeking peaceful means to resolve the conflict and to avoid confrontation as much as possible. No one wants war to erupt,” Phumtham said.

Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said that the Foreign Ministry and the military are working in alignment, adding “We want the problems to be resolved through existing mechanisms, such as the Joint Boundary Committee, the General Border Committee and the Regional Border Committee.”

He emphasised the importance of the bilateral meeting, scheduled for June 14 in Phnom Penh, at which both countries will seek ways to ease the tension since the fatal clash between Thai and Cambodian troops on May 28.

Gen Songwit explained that the armed forces support the government’s actions and decisions regarding the issue, saying “We believe that the problems can be resolved peacefully and the armed forces will carry out their duties, as mandated by the constitution, to protect the sovereignty of the country and its people.”