Bangkok: "Big Lek" conducted his final meeting with the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) and the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) to deliberate on issues to be presented at the upcoming General Border Committee (GBC) meeting. He acknowledged the significant challenges posed by the transition period and discussed matters with the Council of State and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focusing on three issues that would not bind the incoming government. He expressed agreement on the construction of the Nong Chan fence but highlighted the need for further discussions due to the waterway border concerns. He also raised concerns about potential future claims by Cambodia regarding the project, urging the media to counter Cambodian disinformation.
According to Thai News Agency, General Nattapol Nakphanit, Deputy Minister of Defense and Acting Minister of Defense, spoke before presiding over a meeting of the Thai-Cambodian Border Situation Administration (CBSA) committee. He mentioned that he would review issues to be addressed at the GBC meeting on September 10th and the Security Council meeting later that day. The CBSA approved the Ban Nong Chan fence construction in principle, requesting the National Security Council (NSC) to scrutinize the details. The advisory team noted the border's alignment with a canal, urging detailed consideration to avoid Cambodia assuming the fence as the border. Security officials clarified the fence's role as a security barrier against transnational crime, not a border marker. The advisory team emphasized clear agreement on observations before proceeding, advocating for Thailand's right to the canal's central area to prevent Cambodia from claiming it entirely.
General Nattapol acknowledged the challenge of attending the GBC meeting during government transition, consulting with the Secretary-General of the Council of State and the Department of International Treaties. He deemed attendance potentially disadvantageous for the nation, leaving the decision to Thailand, with advice from the Council of State and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to avoid issues implicating the new government, focusing only on beneficial matters.
Addressing whether the September 10th meeting would conclude on previously discussed conditions, General Natthapol highlighted unresolved issues: bomb retrieval, international crime suppression, scams, and the Ban Nong Jan issue. He explained the Ban Nong Jan matter's initial plan for GBC meeting discussion and further talks with Sa Kaeo and Banteay Meanchey governors. If unresolved, legal action would follow. On September 3rd, Sa Kaeo's governor requested CCSA meeting inclusion and public sympathy, threatening a Section 157 complaint if unaddressed. The meeting sympathized and allowed progress, scheduling a September 8th discussion with Banteay Meanchey's governor, overlapping the GBC meeting.
General Nattapol acknowledged challenges in executing plans and emphasized listening to public opinion. He sought approval from the Sa Kaeo governor, with CCSA's initial consent, to present the matter at the NSC meeting. He noted uncertainty regarding another CCSA meeting, with previous government orders expiring, confirming the CCSA's non-dissolution but ending with the government. He thanked the media for public understanding efforts, confident in their significant assistance. Reflecting on his roles, he shared:
"In my previous work, I served as Deputy Minister of Defense, while also serving as Director of the NBTC. Therefore, whenever I speak or think, the Director of the NBTC doesn't solely think about the military. Sometimes the media may not understand why the Deputy Minister of Defense is thinking about other issues. I ask that you please understand that my framework is the use of national power and national interests in all six areas: domestic and international politics, military, and economics. During meetings with Cambodia, I tried to emphasize that the real threat is the economic one, but we prioritize sovereignty. Furthermore, I also consider social psychology, as people along the border depend on each other, especially in the area of ??the 2nd Army Area. Cambodians come to buy food and supplies from our country, while Thais buy forest products, which is how they have always lived. I also consider international issues, our role, and the international attitude towards us. I also consider science and technolo gy, natural resources, and the environment," said General Nattapol.
He elaborated on science and technology, highlighting information power's significance. Despite Thai media's freedom and diversity compared to Cambodia's restrictions, he expressed concern over communication efficacy. Departing his post, he urged Thai media to maximize their power in combating Cambodian information tactics.
When questioned about reappointment by the new government, General Natthapol denied any approach and expressed doubt about being solicited, believing someone more capable would be chosen.