Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul sought to downplay reports that Cambodia prevented ASEAN observers from monitoring mine-clearing efforts at Chong Sai Taku in Buri Ram province, stressing that both sides remain in dialogue.
Anutin said the situation should not be described as an obstruction. “Don’t use the word ‘block’. They’ve been in constant talks,” Anutin said.
“Supreme Commander Gen Ukrit Boontanon informed me that the operation is still ongoing. There are continuing discussions on troop withdrawal and mine clearance,” he said.
“The process may not be smooth, but the goal is clear. If peace and stability are the objectives, we won’t simply give in.”
He was referring to reports that the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) based in Thailand has said Cambodian troops are not cooperating in mine clearance efforts and are blocking the Thai Mine Action Centre (TMAC) unit from undertaking demining operations in the province.
The AOT, led by Air Vice Marshal Chitphol Korkitsammana, and comprising military attachés from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines, conducted an inspection of Chong Sai Taku during the weekends, to observe the mine clearance by the TMAC.
Cambodian troops stationed in the area refused, however, to let the TMAC unit to enter the off-limits zone for mine clearance, in violation of the agreement of the General Border Committee on Friday, according to the AOT report.
The prime minister reaffirmed today that Thailand stands firm on four key conditions in its discussions with Cambodia - troop withdrawal, landmine clearance, suppression of scam operations, and resolution of overlapping territorial claims.
“All four must be addressed,” he said. “Our armed forces are continuing talks on prisoner exchanges, border demarcation, and other related issues. Cambodia’s process is still underway.”
Anutin said the agreement signed in Malaysia recently clearly states that both parties must withdraw their weapons.
“If anyone violates that, the deal is off — and we’ll act as we see fit,” he said.
Anutin added that he may visit the Thai-Cambodian border “if necessary” to ensure both sides are complying with the agreement.
Addressing public concern that Thailand’s troop withdrawal could leave the country vulnerable if Cambodia reneges, the prime minister said he has full confidence in the military leadership.
