Bangkok: The Prime Minister chaired a meeting of the National Security Council to discuss the possibility of replacing Cambodian workers with skilled labor. The meeting also focused on border issues with Cambodia and the situation in southern Thailand.
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting was led by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul. Key attendees included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkaew, and other high-ranking officials from the defense and security sectors. The meeting aimed to address labor shortages affecting the private sector and explore alternative labor sources.
The meeting also discussed the cancellation of the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding and the potential for negotiations under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This was part of a broader agenda focusing on Thai-Cambodian border issues, with the intention to advance maritime claims and improve bilateral relations.
Prior to the meeting, Mr. Sihasak mentioned that his recent visit to the southern border provinces for data collection would not be reported at this meeting. He emphasized the visit was for informational purposes and any significant findings would be shared in future discussions.
The appointment of General Somsak Rungsita as the new chairman of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Border Commission (JBC) was also mentioned. Mr. Sihasak indicated that any decisions related to this appointment would be deliberated in due course.
The agenda also included discussions on the concerns of the private sector regarding labor shortages, with a focus on Cambodian workers previously restricted from working in Thailand. Solutions for issues related to exporting goods and combating transnational crime were also on the table.