Bangkok: "Pantep" is set to express his position to the Prime Minister to safeguard Thailand's sovereignty in a concrete manner, highlighting the need for the Minister of Defense to address the issue properly. He emphasizes that Cambodia has encroached upon Thai territory, not a No Man's Land, and suggests annulling the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to renegotiate disputed areas based on satellite data.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Panathep Puapongphan, Dean of the Institute of Integrative Medicine and Anti-Aging Medicine at Rangsit University, plans to submit a letter to the Prime Minister on June 10. As the chairman of the Yam Faeo Pandin Foundation, alongside Mr. Sonthi Limthongkul, academics, and the public, he aims to ensure the government takes definitive steps to protect Thailand's sovereignty. Despite numerous statements from the Ministry of Defense, the lack of a clear governmental confirmation of Thai territorial boundaries remains concerning. The military's assertions of Thai land must be officially backed by the government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, rather than relying solely on military declarations.
Mr. Panathep emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that Thai territory is currently under invasion, not merely encroachment of No Man's Land. He called for concrete measures from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to protest officially against the encroachment, similar to past legal actions like the prosecution of Mr. Weera Somkwamkid in Sa Kaeo Province. The ambiguity in defining the territory as No Man's Land undermines Thailand's territorial claims and must be addressed.
He further elaborated on the strategic issues involving Cambodia's intentions. Cambodia's reliance on the 2000 MOU and the scale of 1:200,000, which Thailand never accepted, is problematic. He advocated for cancelling the MOU and returning to Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meetings to negotiate based on satellite data, avoiding reliance on outdated maps that previously led to territorial losses.
Mr. Panathep's strategy involves abandoning the JBC meeting framework while rejecting the MOU 2000 map. He warned that Cambodia's goals extend beyond reasonable territorial claims, often utilizing the French map to assert its position. He urged Thailand to stand firm on its territorial rights and prevent further encroachments.
He expressed concern over the Minister of Defense's ambiguous stance on Thailand's territorial boundaries. The lack of official protest against Cambodian encroachment, coupled with the labeling of Thai territory as No Man's Land, poses significant risks. He called for immediate governmental action to assert sovereignty and prevent potential governmental instability should these issues remain unaddressed.
Mr. Panathep also addressed the potential role of the ASEAN chairman in mediating the situation. He stressed the need for the Thai government to clearly demonstrate and communicate its territorial claims internationally, avoiding past mistakes like the Preah Vihear temple incident. Transparency and international awareness are crucial in reinforcing Thailand's position.
He concluded by urging the government to employ all available measures to pressure Cambodia into fair negotiations. Highlighting the strategic importance of maintaining Thailand's independence and sovereignty, he warned against complacency and emphasized the need for decisive action to prevent further territorial losses.
Mr. Panathep reiterated that the three temples along the border are within Thai territory and advocated for the cancellation of the 2000 MOU to renegotiate terms, preventing a repeat of past territorial disputes. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the ASEAN Charter and UN Charter, resisting external interference, and ensuring peaceful negotiations that uphold Thailand's territorial integrity.