Bangkok: Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, a prominent figure in Thai politics, has called for the government’s intervention in the ongoing conflict with Cambodia. He expressed hope that the Thai delegation, led by Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, would engage in crucial discussions with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet during their visit to Malaysia.
According to Thai News Agency, the visit was arranged at the behest of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who currently holds the position of ASEAN Chair. The meeting aims to address regional peace issues, with particular emphasis on the escalating violence along the Thai-Cambodian border. Thanakorn, a former Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office and Deputy Leader of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, emphasized the need for the Thai government to insist on Cambodia’s accountability for recent border conflicts. He alleged that Cambodia has violated multiple treaties, involving acts such as deploying anti-personnel mines and targeting civilian areas, including hospitals and gas stations, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties.
Thanakorn did not hold back in his criticism of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, accusing him of duplicity and insincerity. He condemned Hun Manet’s recent actions as inconsistent, pointing out that despite claims of seeking a ceasefire, the Cambodian leader has continued to order attacks on Thai civilian areas. These actions, Thanakorn argued, amount to serious war crimes deserving international condemnation and legal prosecution.
He further urged the Thai government to maintain a firm stance on using a 1:50,000 scale map for border delineation, a standard he claims is more precise and widely adopted in ASEAN countries. Thanakorn expressed hope that the Thai military would respond strongly and strategically to protect national sovereignty until Cambodia ceases its attacks unconditionally.
In his statement, Thanakorn expressed optimism about the potential outcome of the negotiations, believing that a positive resolution would be well-received by the Thai populace. He reiterated his demand for Cambodia to take responsibility for its actions and urged the Thai government to pressure Cambodia into compliance.