Bangkok: The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy has assessed that the ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is expected to continue into the next year as both nations have yet to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement.
According to Thai News Agency, Admiral Jirapol Wongwit, who recently addressed the transfer of duties within the Royal Thai Navy, highlighted several key issues that require attention, with the protection of Thai sovereignty being paramount. The admiral emphasized the need for detailed handover processes and continuous situation monitoring. He mentioned strategies such as maintaining and rotating forces to prevent fatigue and procuring necessary equipment to address potential threats if the conflict escalates further next year.
The admiral acknowledged the likelihood of the Thai-Cambodian border problem persisting into the next year due to slow-paced negotiations. However, he expressed optimism that a swift resolution could be achieved if both sides reach a desirable agreement. He underlined the importance of finding a compromise acceptable to both nations, potentially involving a mediator, to resolve the conflict amicably.
The upcoming meeting of the Thai-Cambodian Regional Border Committee (RBC) at the Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defence Command (CBTDC) will play a crucial role in the acceptance of each party’s proposals. This will allow higher authorities to develop action plans aimed at achieving the desired goals.
Admiral Jirapol expressed his ongoing concerns about the unresolved border dispute, acknowledging that his retirement would occur before a resolution could be reached. He stressed that achieving lasting peace requires agreements based on mutual consent, highlighting the need for political and military collaboration. He emphasized that military actions should be a last resort and cautioned against potential international interventions if military tools are overused. The admiral reaffirmed the commitment to government-led military leadership, a standard practice in national governance.