Bangkok: “Bhumtham” believes foreigners understand Thailand’s position on the Nong Chan border issue. Phumtham insists that Thailand is following the law, despite Cambodia’s use of crowds to clash with the authorities. He believes that if Thailand violates the law, legal action will be taken. He believes that foreigners understand Thailand’s position, stating that the governor of Sa Kaeo has apologized and is in the process of reaching an understanding. He also plans to invite President Donald Trump to Thailand in the hope of further friendship.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, addressed the situation on the Thai-Cambodian border in Nong Chan Subdistrict, Khok Sung District, Sa Kaeo Province, regarding the government’s proposed additional measures, as it appears there are currently protests, including the deployment of sewage suction trucks. He stated that the situation is not at that level. He had received a report this morning that the situation remains peaceful and there are no problems. He stated that he is prepared in accordance with the law and is trying to find a way to prevent this from happening. Importantly, he reiterated his principle of solving the problem without causing provocation, especially on our side. He also spoke with foreign officials who met with him, and they understood Thailand’s intentions, as we have maintained this position from the beginning. These are measures that the police must take care of. If there are violations or violations of the law, action
must be taken. The military is merely monitoring the border.
Regarding former Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasob Suraswadi’s proposal to compensate Cambodians in exchange for their removal from the area, Mr. Bhumtham stated that he could not yet give any answer, as all the facts must be considered. Whatever is done, the country has rules and regulations, and the law must be respected and adhered to. Currently, there are some suggestions, some strong, some light, and he is listening and considering them.
Regarding the Nong Chan villagers’ dissatisfaction with the Governor of Sa Kaeo’s claim that they did not have land title deeds, the matter has been cleared up. He has apologized for the misunderstanding. There are many title deeds, but the Governor spoke about the meaning of a title deed, which led to a misunderstanding and inconsistency. He apologized for his misunderstanding. There is nothing wrong with that at present.
As villagers remain dissatisfied with what the Governor of Sa Kaeo has said, what can be done to reassure them that their land remains intact? Mr. Phumtham emphasized that the facts clarified are something that all parties must understand. It will gradually improve, because the facts are not like that.
When asked if Thailand assessed the use of citizen shields at the Nong Chan border, whether it would escalate and lead to further clashes, Mr. Phumtham revealed that it likely would not escalate because we are being cautious and our position is clear. Regarding the various methods used, the military attaches of each country in Thailand are working constantly. After our negotiations, they immediately began working. From what I’ve heard from all the foreign reports, they are careful not to show any dissatisfaction and are gathering information. They understand and are comfortable with what Thailand is doing.
As for whether US President Donald Trump understands the current situation, Mr. Bhumtham revealed that he understands and has had good discussions. He has invited both President Trump and the Minister of Defense, and they are already interested. Yesterday (August 26), he still wanted to invite them to Thailand. President Trump knows about the beauty of Thailand and its culture, and he wants to come. The schedule still needs time to invite them. It is a show of friendship.
When asked whether the deployment of police to oversee border matters, as Cambodia uses the masses, would be able to control the situation, Mr. Phumtham reiterated that there’s no need to overthink things. The situation has already occurred and much of the problem has been resolved.