Bangkok: Rangsiman can still relax after closing the room to discuss border issues, aiming to find a way to end the game. Rangsiman revealed that he held secret talks with “Big Lek, Deputy Commander of Army Area 2, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.” He was candid and found the border situation to be comfortable, with no immediate signs of armed conflict. He pointed out that the government has not yet closed the door on filing a lawsuit at the International Criminal Court, but that discussions are needed to find a way to end the game.
According to Thai News Agency, following a more than three-hour meeting of the House of Representatives’ Committee on State Security, Thai Border Affairs, National Strategy, and National Reform, chaired by Mr. Rangsiman Rome, a party-list MP and deputy leader of the Prachachon Party, the agenda item was to follow up on the progress of resolving the conflict along the border between Thailand and Cambodia. Deputy Defense Minister General Nattapol Nakphanit, Deputy Commander of the Second Army Region, Major General Nat Sri-in, and Assistant Minister to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, were invited to provide information.
Mr. Rangsiman revealed that the discussions were quite open, partly because they were confidential. He acknowledged that the information discussed was straightforward. He admitted that he felt he had difficulty answering the media about the details, as much of the information was sensitive. However, he wanted all parties in society to be at ease: we don’t see any signs of armed conflict in the near future, and therefore, the atmosphere may not be worrying about armed conflict.
But the question is, is there still tension? There have been several recommendations for discussions and ways to reduce tensions, but no concrete conclusions have been reached. This is in addition to discussions held at various meetings, including the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), the Regional Border Committee (RBC), and the General Border Committee (GBC). We cannot yet say what the conclusions will be at these meetings, as they haven’t yet taken place. However, we are trying to provide information and listen to all parties’ limitations, particularly at the RBC. We’ll have to keep an eye on them.
Mr. Rangsiman confirmed that in today’s discussions with the Security Committee, we are working with the security sector, General Nattapol, the army, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We have an excellent working environment, and we are striving to foster integration among all parties to resolve this conflict. However, we are looking to find an endgame for the situation, which must ultimately come to an end. However, we will need to reassess and discuss how to resolve this issue.
When asked if the proposal to file a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) had been discussed, Mr. Rangsiman said there had been discussions, but he could not elaborate as some aspects remain sensitive. He acknowledged that discussions have taken place. He added that he is likely to explore various avenues to resolve this issue, and he assured the government that it will use all available channels. He continued to view the ICC as an important mechanism, and the government has not closed the door on this matter. Therefore, he believes further discussions are necessary.
The House Committee on Security will hold a meeting on the ICC on September 5th, and academics will be invited to discuss the matter, as there are still differing views on how the ICC mechanism can be used. On September 4th, a meeting will be held to learn lessons and develop action plans to support security along the changing border. It must be acknowledged that the border is no longer the same.
Mr. Rangsiman reiterated that the committee meeting was very open-minded. He acknowledged the limitations and challenges, and he confirmed that armed conflict is not something that can easily occur at this time.