Bangkok: "Bhumtham" has not yet decided whether to dissolve the NCPO, requesting to assess the situation first. Bhumtham revealed that the National Security Council (NSC) will meet this afternoon to evaluate the situation on the Thai-Cambodian border. The GBC meeting is scheduled for September. A decision on the dissolution of the CCSA has not yet been made, as the situation is being assessed first.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, acting as prime minister, addressed the encroachment of Cambodian lands in Ban Nong Chan, Khok Sung District, Sa Kaeo Province, and whether there would be any future pushback against the community. He stated that the ceasefire agreement is currently in place, and that "wherever you are, you stay." This will be discussed at the next meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) Thailand-Cambodia, which will take place this September. He emphasized that no encroachment is permitted, and that barbed wire remains where it is.
Regarding the use of the masses to pressure and provoke the Thai military, Mr. Phumtham believes that this is a matter for Cambodia to handle. He emphasized that the GBC talks will not reach a single conclusion and require further discussions. However, he insisted that any areas that have been invaded must be confirmed as Thai territory.
Mr. Phumtham addressed Cambodia's request to postpone the Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting of the 2nd Army Region, saying that it was okay as it would allow for a record of Cambodia's cooperation. However, he confirmed that Thailand still has meetings with Cambodia at various levels, including the GBC and RBC, which will require discussions.
Regarding the clarity of the duties of the Thai-Cambodian Border Situation Administration Center (CBSA), Mr. Phumtham said that the situation must be assessed jointly again.
"Last time, someone asked me about the situation, so I said we needed to reach a conclusion. If we thought it was settled, we wouldn't need one. Once things returned to normal, we'd go to a meeting of the NCPO. At that time, they hadn't yet met to discuss whether to dissolve or not. There hadn't been any progress. They asked me, and we had to make an assessment first. If we felt it was necessary, we'd have to continue with the center. We'll have to wait for a meeting from the National Security Council (NSC)," said Mr. Bhumtham.
Regarding today's NSC meeting, will there be an overall assessment of the border situation? Mr. Bhumtham stated that it will be the case overall. There will be a joint meeting and assessment of the situation to obtain a clear picture of the stance to be determined at the next GBC meeting. This will depend on what the NSC will propose, and the conclusion will depend on the meeting.
As for whether the National Security Council meeting will also assess the domestic political situation, Mr. Bhumtham said that it will primarily be about Cambodia.
Mr. Phumtham also addressed the case of some Khon Kaen residents filing charges against him for allowing Cambodia to invade and put Thailand at a disadvantage on the world stage. He said that this matter was not a problem. Regarding those who filed complaints that they had previously run for office but did not receive any votes, they should proceed in accordance with the law.
"I think if I file a report and the police accept the case and the court summons me, I'll go. I think this is a comfortable situation. I think Thai society has many issues that need to be rethought regarding various laws. It's not like anyone can do whatever they want. This matter should be handled according to the legal process," said Mr. Phumtham.