Bangkok: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledges that the Thai-Cambodian border situation is still fragile, believing that the JBC meeting will reduce tensions after both sides adjust their forces, and is ready to counter the reduction of Cambodia’s visa-free period to 7 days.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nikorndej Plangoon, Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, gave a press conference on the progress of the situation on the Thai-Cambodian border, which has improved. He said that the Thai and Cambodian forces have buried the kulets according to the agreement, and adjusted the forces of both sides to be in the agreed area by 2024. The Thai side sees this as a good sign, reflecting the sincerity of the Cambodian side in reducing the tension on the Thai-Cambodian border situation. The results of negotiations at all levels of both sides hope that they will lead to a peaceful solution in the long term, with mutual respect and sincerity using existing bilateral mechanisms. This will create a good atmosphere that we will lead to the JBC meeting on 14 June.
For the JBC mechanism to discuss the survey of the land border between Thailand and Cambodia, there have been 10 meetings in the past, with progress in many areas, such as the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge, including the construction of the new Red Carpet Bridge in Chanthaburi Province.
The Foreign Ministry spokesman also revealed that the Thai side hopes that the next JBC meeting, hosted by Cambodia on June 14 in Phnom Penh, will help reduce tensions in the still fragile situation, in order to maintain peace and order in the area and the safety of people on both sides of the border, in order to find a sustainable solution. He confirmed that the Thai side is ready to participate in the JBC meeting with honesty, and is ready to see the cooperation and sincerity of both sides to improve bilateral relations.
The Thai government would like to reaffirm its confidence in the Thai-Cambodian mechanisms of the JBC, along with the RBC or GBC, bilateral negotiations at all levels, both military and civilian, including the promotion of good relations between the peoples of both countries, which will be an effective and efficient way to resolve conflicts so that both countries in the ASEAN family can live in peace.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson reiterated the understanding of the border control measures at various crossing points, saying that the measures are still being implemented according to the assessment of the security sector in order to maintain peace and order in the area and the safety of the people on both sides of the border. The Center for the Operation of Prevention and Resolution of Threats Affecting Security in Border Areas with Neighboring Countries has announced an upgrade in measures to prevent and suppress technology crimes and human trafficking along the Thai-Cambodian border, such as cutting off electricity, suspending internet signals sent to areas where gambling dens and scammers are located, and controlling goods and equipment that will be used in committing technology crimes and transnational crimes. Such measures will be presented to the National Security Council (NSC).
In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requests cooperation from the media and the public to be careful about disseminating unverified information and avoiding the expansion of news that may incite or accuse the other party without clear information or facts to prevent misunderstandings and the risk of further conflicts.
When asked whether Cambodian immigration has reported that the visa limit for Thais has been reduced from 60 days to 7 days and what measures Thailand will take in the discussions and the JBC meeting on June 14, did Cambodia confirm that it will remain the same? Mr. Nikorndet revealed that the JBC will remain the same. Both sides have already said that they will move towards the JBC meeting. The positive developments that have occurred will help create a better atmosphere for the meeting in another five days.
‘As for the Cambodian visa measure, the number of days for entry has been reduced to seven days. The Thai side has also reduced it to seven days.’
Villagers in the border area are afraid that violence may occur again and the construction of bunkers will improve security. Mr. Nikorndet said that the tension has decreased because yesterday (June 8), the troops were moved to the original location according to 2024. The cullet was buried. “The situation is still fragile. It has not reached the point where we need to be concerned or careful about anything.” Moreover, the situation is returning to normal, gradually, but it is still fragile.
As for the JBC meeting, Cambodia still insists on its original statement that it will not negotiate in the conflict area. Can Thailand make Cambodia bring this issue up on the negotiation table? Mr. Nikorndet revealed that Cambodia said there will be no discussions at the JBC. Now both sides are starting to talk about the agenda. It is too early to talk or not to talk. Both sides have the right to reserve what is ready to talk and what is not ready to talk. Let’s wait for clarity first. Now we are trying to find a joint conclusion.
As for Thailand’s visa reduction, when will this measure last? Mr. Nikorndet explained that both sides have not yet determined how long it will last. He cannot answer this question and must wait for the situation to improve. Both sides have turned to discussing adding more days. This is not a priority at this time.