The Navy commander in chief today stressed that border checkpoints with Cambodia in Chanthaburi and Trat provinces will remain closed until the government orders otherwise.
Admiral Pairote Fuangkhon said there would be neither a temporary reopening of the checkpoints nor any compromise on the matter.
“We have strictly followed the government’s order. Closed means closed. Nothing else,” he said.
He was responding to earlier unconfirmed reports that Cambodia’s strongman, Hun Sen, had assigned his aides to negotiate with Thailand over reopening the checkpoints in both provinces.
Pairote said the reports were merely rumours, insisting he has not been informed of any such developments.
The Thai-Cambodian border has been sealed following a surge in clashes last year. Both countries downgraded diplomatic relations and fighting that claimed lives on both sides continued until a ceasefire was signed in October.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasised on Wednesday that no negotiations are currently being held with Cambodia to restore relations.
“There will be no reopening of the border at this time,” Anutin said, adding that he has not received any reports on the matter.
