The postponement of the special Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting, between Thailand and Cambodia, is intended to give both countries more time to amass clearer details on key issues, including scam operations, landmine clearance and border management.
Maj Gen Sorawit Daengchan, spokesman for Thailand’s First Army Region, said that the rescheduling is a practical step to ensure that, when the meeting is held, there will be substantial matters to discuss.
Thailand’s First Army Region and Cambodia’s Military Region 5 had initially planned to meet in Poipet, Cambodia, between September 25th and 27th.
Sorawit said the RBC meeting is now expected to be held in October.
Meanwhile, Thai Army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree said two main reasons for the delay are the ongoing internal reshuffles within the Thai army, including changes of regional commanders on October 1, and the continued tensions in border villages, in Sa Kaeo’s Khok Soong district, where Cambodian groups remain in dispute with Thai authorities.
Winthai also noted that Cambodia’s public statements have, at times, distorted facts, complicating the atmosphere ahead of the negotiations.
He said Thailand remains committed to carrying out its border mission peacefully, with the support of the government and defence ministry, though troops are maintaining their alert status, in case of provocation.
Regarding the recent small-arms fire incident in Si Sa Ket province, Winthai acknowledged Cambodia’s explanation, that it was an accidental discharge. He noted, however, that it could also be viewed as a tactical test of Thai troop readiness.
He added that the situation is being closely monitored, as Cambodia continues to use groups of villagers as a shield in disputed areas.
