Bangkok: Mr. Rangsiman Rome, MP for the party list and Deputy Leader of the Prachachon Party, has voiced strong criticism of the Thai government’s approach to the ongoing border dispute with Cambodia. As Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on State Security, Thai Border Affairs, National Strategy and Reform, Mr. Rangsiman highlighted the government’s lack of clarity and strategic planning, urging them to take decisive action to resolve the conflict.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Rangsiman expressed his disappointment with the Prime Minister’s response to questions regarding the border issues, describing it as a missed opportunity to communicate effectively with the public. He emphasized that the government’s slow communication has led to a lack of public trust, and he urged the administration to clearly outline their strategies and measures for addressing Cambodia’s stance.
Mr. Rangsiman stressed the importance of negotiations in resolving the Thai-Cambodian border issue, cautioning against relying on personal relationships which might not prioritize national interests. He advised the government to build bargaining power before engaging in negotiations and to demonstrate political advantages that extend beyond mere evidence and maps.
He also mentioned the potential impact of unrelated international issues such as the handling of Uighurs and relations with China, which have affected Thailand’s political standing. Mr. Rangsiman proposed a ten-point plan to address the situation, including targeting call center gangs believed to be operating with local support in Cambodia.
When questioned about the potential influence of personal relationships between the Thai Prime Minister and Cambodian officials, Mr. Rangsiman admitted that the public’s lack of transparency in the government’s dealings has fueled distrust. He called for a more transparent mechanism that would reassure the public and allow for constructive criticism.
Mr. Rangsiman criticized the Prime Minister’s demeanor during recent discussions, urging him to use such opportunities to provide clarity instead of exacerbating the crisis. He emphasized that the issue is fundamentally a matter of international politics and not personal relationships, and he called for diplomatic efforts involving multiple countries to find a resolution.
He highlighted the need for clarity and constructive criticism, expressing hope that the government would prioritize the country’s interests. Mr. Rangsiman also hinted at potential political repercussions if the issue drags on, urging people to observe the government’s actions closely.
Finally, Mr. Rangsiman announced plans for a secret meeting with the security sector to address the border issue, underscoring the need for collaboration and transparency to avoid turning opportunities into crises.