Bangkok: The House of Representatives has reversed seven motions that suggested the possibility of a war between Thailand and Cambodia. 'Kanweer' has exposed Cambodia's strategic maneuvers, intending to seek intervention from 'world community organizations' to halt 'Thai military operations', emphasizing that Cambodia's actions clearly violate international humanitarian law, thereby undermining bilateral relations. The urgency for the government and Buakaew to expedite foreign affairs was highlighted, with a call to align global support with Thailand's position. 'Rome' noted the 'opposing side' establishing bases near the 'World Heritage Castle', advising immediate legal action at the 'World Court' if affected, and suggested direct communication with the 'ASEAN Chair' to avoid falling into the 'trap' of being 'bullied'.
According to Thai News Agency, the House of Representatives meeting, led by Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, the Speaker of the House, deliberated on urgent oral motions addressing the conflict at the Thai-Cambodian border. These were seven motions, similar in nature, from both coalition (Pheu Thai Party, Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, Kla Tham Party, and Democrat Party) and opposition parties (Prachachon Party, Bhumjaithai Party, and Serm Tham Party). Proponents of each motion discussed their proposals and provided preliminary reasons before the session transitioned into a secret meeting. Members supporting the motions advocated for a government strategy that includes establishing a news center, a public assistance center, and clear evacuation plans to mitigate confusion and ensure the safety of people and property.
During the open debate, Mr. Kanwee Sipsang, a party-list MP from the Thammarat Party, attributed the conflict to weaknesses in foreign affairs and the inability to leverage diplomacy for security solutions. He expressed sympathy for those affected and highlighted Cambodia's strategic actions, as evidenced by Prime Minister Hun Manet's appeal to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to intervene against Thailand's military operations. Mr. Kanwee emphasized the necessity for Thailand to exhibit diplomatic strength and confidence before the global community, as war should be the last resort, advocating for sustainable peace through proactive foreign affairs.
Mr. Kanwee further elaborated that following a recent incident where a Thai soldier was severely injured by a landmine, Thailand has already implemented four out of six diplomatic measures per the Vienna Convention. Only the options to sever diplomatic relations or close international ties remain. He urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to act decisively, highlighting Cambodia's violations of international law by targeting civilian areas, rather than military targets, in the ongoing conflict.
Mr. Rangsiman Rome, representing the Prachachon Party, emphasized the urgency of an efficient evacuation plan to minimize impacts on Thai citizens. He called for improved public warning systems and suggested inviting military ambassadors to witness Cambodia's aggressions firsthand. Additionally, Mr. Rome urged for immediate communication with the ASEAN chairman to prevent misinterpretations of the conflict, warning against Cambodia's narrative of victimhood. He stressed the need for Thailand to present its perspective to the UNSC, as Cambodia's actions target vulnerable groups and hospitals, potentially positioning Thailand as an international defendant if Cambodia acts first.
Mr. Rangsiman also noted intelligence indicating Cambodia's establishment of bases at world heritage sites, potentially leveraging any Thai military response to their advantage in the International Court of Justice. The session concluded with a secret meeting, where further discussions took place under agreed-upon confidentiality, excluding non-involved parties and media.