Bangkok: Dr. Jetsada Tonavanich, the Prime Minister candidate of the Rak Chart Party, has called on the government to reevaluate its approach towards Cambodia, declaring that the period for leniency has ended concerning issues of encroachment and transnational scams. He advocates for decisive actions to regulate the bilateral relations between Thailand and Cambodia.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jetsada highlighted the complexities of the Thai-Cambodian relationship, which extend beyond the 43rd or 44th Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). He pointed out that historically, Thailand has been a supportive neighbor to Cambodia, dating back to the Ayutthaya period and through the Cambodian civil war some decades ago. During times of conflict, Thailand provided refuge to Cambodians, facilitated by royal decrees from Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. These actions led to the establishment of settlements such as Ban Nong Chan along the border and allowed for Cambodian residency and travel in disputed areas like Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom Temple.
The situation has changed, with Cambodia adopting a hostile stance characterized by territorial encroachments, trench digging, and armed attacks on civilians. Furthermore, border regions have become notorious for scams impacting both Thai citizens and the international community. Thai officials have previously addressed these issues in international forums.
Mr. Jetsada warned that continued leniency could be detrimental to Thailand. He urged the government to adopt a stricter approach, using international law as a framework for negotiations, rather than past practices of providing concessions. He noted that many countries opt to close borders and suspend relations when faced with such issues, resuming dialogue only when mutual respect and cessation of hostilities are assured.