Bangkok: Angkana Neelapaijit, a prominent Thai senator and former chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Political Development, Public Participation, Human Rights, Rights, Liberties, and Consumer Protection, has highlighted the importance of the ongoing General Border Committee (GBC) meeting as a platform to resolve existing obstacles between Thailand and Cambodia. She underscores the need for genuine intentions from both sides and expresses concern over the potential impact of fake news on the discussions.
According to Thai News Agency, Angkana emphasizes the significance of Cambodia’s adherence to its commitments, especially in terms of handling the remains of its soldiers, which may otherwise constitute a violation of the Convention on Enforced Disappearances. She calls on the Cambodian government to ensure the swift collection and identification of soldiers’ remains to notify their families and stresses the need for the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs to expedite actions, allowing entities like the OHCHR and ICRC to visit the 20 soldiers detained in Thailand.
The senator acknowledges that despite a ceasefire agreement, violent incidents often persist in conflict zones. She appreciates Thailand’s adherence to international principles, positioning it as a legitimate negotiator, but urges Cambodia to comply with the agreements made. The meeting is seen as an opportunity to exchange ideas and collectively address challenges, particularly around the influence of social media and the spread of unverified news.
Angkana points out that Cambodia’s historical experiences, including genocide, may influence its negotiation tactics. She stresses the importance of sincerity in fulfilling agreements, noting that neighboring countries like Thailand and Cambodia must work collaboratively to respect the lives of people on both sides of the border.
Concerns about Cambodia’s failure to process the remains of its soldiers reflect broader issues of compliance with international conventions. Angkana calls for the Cambodian government to respect and return the soldiers’ bodies to their families, highlighting the importance of honoring the deceased.
The senator notes Thailand’s initial delays in communicating effectively with the international community regarding the conflict. However, recent statements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have addressed this, clarifying Thailand’s stance and inviting international organizations to investigate the situation, thereby ensuring the detained soldiers are treated according to international standards.
Regarding potential involvement from major powers, Angkana observes that neither China nor the United States appears to be taking sides, as both have interests in Cambodia and Thailand. Nonetheless, she acknowledges this as a matter of concern.