Bangkok: Wirote Lakkhanaadisorn, a prominent member of the People’s Party and chairman of the Military Committee, has emphasized the need for Thailand to exercise extreme caution in its diplomatic dealings with Cambodia. Wirote’s warning comes amidst ongoing tensions and violations of agreements by Cambodia, urging Thai authorities to be meticulous in every move as they navigate a complex political landscape.
According to Thai News Agency, Wirote expressed concerns over the treatment of Cambodian soldiers’ bodies, urging Cambodian leaders to show respect for their own soldiers. He highlighted the importance of abiding by agreements, noting that Cambodia has violated these agreements 651 times. He stressed that Thailand must remain vigilant, as any missteps could be exploited by their cunning opponents.
Mr. Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn addressed the sensitive issue of Cambodian soldiers’ bodies not being properly cremated, stating his belief that Cambodian leaders, Hun Sen and Hun Manet, would respect their soldiers. He praised Thailand’s Deputy Minister of Defense for upholding international law and expressed hope that Cambodia would follow suit. Wiroj acknowledged the fear among the Cambodian populace regarding the return of soldiers’ bodies but emphasized the need for both nations to confront reality in order to achieve mutual success.
Wiroj also discussed the upcoming GBC meeting scheduled for August 4-7. He suggested documenting agreements in writing and involving foreign diplomats or international representatives to ensure transparency and accountability. Despite Cambodia’s history of breaking promises, Wiroj expressed hope that they would honor future agreements. He stressed the importance of international oversight, particularly from organizations such as ASEAN, to ensure compliance and accountability.
If Cambodia continues to violate agreements, Wirote believes the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must collaborate with the National Security Council to issue statements and seek action through international organizations, such as ASEAN and the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting. He emphasized the necessity of protesting or informing these bodies of any further breaches by Cambodia.
Wiroj further highlighted the importance of prudence and adherence to international law to maintain Thailand’s sovereignty and global reputation. He acknowledged past communication issues but insisted on the need for vigilance to prevent misinformation from exacerbating tensions. He warned against the dissemination of distorted information that could be used against Thailand in international negotiations.
The Thai-Cambodian dispute has reached the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), adding an international dimension to the conflict. Wiroj cautioned against falling into traps set by Cambodia, which could exploit narratives to gain advantages in terms of sovereignty and legitimacy on the world stage. He reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to operating within international law, using legislative objections as a defense.
Regarding the potential revocation of MOU 43 and MOU 44, Wiroj acknowledged existing mechanisms for discussion but highlighted the complexity of drafting new agreements. He emphasized the need for thorough revisions to avoid unrest and ensure transparency. Involving all sectors and encouraging public participation would be crucial in creating a more robust and improved MOU.