Govt warns against online hatred
The military skirmishes along the Thai-Cambodian border must not be used to justify xenophobic or hate-driven acts, said deputy government spokesman Anukul Pruksanusak.
Recent social media content portraying Thai youths chasing or assaulting Cambodian workers had crossed the line, he said.
"We urge the public to remain calm, exercise judgement, and not let emotion override rationality. Cambodian civilians have no involvement in the border conflict," he said.
Authorities have been instructed to monitor areas with high concentrations of Cambodian workers.
"Police will take strict legal action against anyone found committing violent acts," he added.
The government reiterated its commitment to international norms and humanitarian values. "Thailand upholds the rule of law and does not support violence, especially against uninvolved civilians," Mr Anukul said.
Meanwhile, the opposition People's Party (PP) issued a directive urging party members not to promote discriminatory actions or language against Cambodians.
"Party members must not encourage, support, or communicate in a way that incites racial hatred or violence," PP secretary-general Sarayut Jailak said.
Amid escalating tensions, thousands of Cambodian migrant workers are voluntarily evacuating Thailand.
As of Saturday morning, long queues were seen at border checkpoints in Chanthaburi and Aranyaprathet, where Cambodian nationals arrived from various provinces -- including Bangkok and central Thailand -- carrying luggage, personal belongings, and even pets.
Many said they were leaving to reunite with family amid growing uncertainty. Employers have expressed concern about labour shortages and rising costs, as they may need to replace the workers with higher-paid Thai labour.
At the Aranyaprathet border checkpoint in Sa Kaeo, nearly 1,000 Cambodian workers gathered, hoping the Thai side would allow them to cross, as had occurred in previous days. However, authorities informed that the border would not open for special passage Saturday, leaving many disappointed.
Later, Aranyaprathet district chief Charin Phuchai and police superintendent Pol Col Phattarakorn Kaonuan contacted Cambodia's consulate to relocate the migrants to a temporary holding area at Klong Luek municipal market hall due to overcrowding at the checkpoint and a lack of proper facilities.
Reports suggest Cambodian workers are fleeing not only due to the border clashes -- now in their third day -- but also because of growing fears fuelled by online rumours of Thai nationalist groups threatening violence against Cambodians.
At the Klong Luek immigration checkpoint, Col Methee Kamtem, commander of Ranger Regiment 12, ordered security reinforcements to ensure the safety of the nearly 1,000 Cambodian migrants awaiting repatriation.
The Public Relations Department reported congestion at the Klong Luek permanent border checkpoint opposite Poipet in Cambodia Saturday morning. A total of 553 Cambodian nationals with passports and 524 with border passes were waiting to return home.
Meanwhile, 1,733 Thai nationals with passports and 168 with border passes were attempting to re-enter Thailand from Cambodia, having been stranded since border closures.
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Bangkok Post
24 minutes ago
- Bangkok Post
Border crisis blues
Simmering tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border have intensified the political storm in Thailand, with analysts saying the Pheu Thai-led government is rapidly losing public trust amid accusations of weak leadership, poor crisis communication, and possible secret dealings. Public confidence in Pheu Thai had already declined, as indicated by the second quarter NIDA Poll, conducted on June 19-25. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, suspended from duty pending a Constitutional Court ruling over a leaked audio clip involving her conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, won an approval rating of just 9.20%, down from 30.90% in the first quarter. The sharp drop came even before the recent border clashes erupted. Analysts believe the escalating violence and the government's sluggish response are likely to further shrink public support. Absence of trust Olarn Thinbangtieo, deputy dean of Burapha University's faculty of political science and law, said the Paetongtarn administration has struggled from the start to dispel public doubts about possible hidden agendas due to the Shinawatra family's close ties with Cambodian strongman Hun Sen. Distrust began to grow following a meeting between her father, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and Hun Sen at Thaksin's home in Bangkok after he was granted parole in February last year. The situation further deteriorated after Ms Paetongtarn was heard criticising the commander of the Second Army Region and appearing overly willing to yield to Hun Sen's demands in the leaked conversation. Following the border clashes, the government has been criticised for failing to manage crisis communication. While the military has taken a proactive role, the government's slow response has fueled speculation about behind-the-scenes interests, said Mr Olarn. And rather than addressing the situation directly, the government has allowed Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as Asean chair, to mediate the conflict, with the United States also playing a part in the process. Although Malaysia's intervention is in line with Asean's approach, Thaksin serves as an adviser to Mr Anwar, and with his complex relationship with Hun Sen, many believe Thaksin may have asked Anwar to step in, he said. The circumstances have led many to wonder if the border conflict is being used as a pretext to enable deal-making or interest sharing in the overlapping claims area (OCA) between the countries, an area believed to have rich fossil fuel deposits. "The government has done nothing. Such inaction has only fueled public suspicion. Lives are at stake, so people are beginning to question whether there are hidden interests behind the scenes, particularly involving the Shinawatra and Hun families," he said. Mr Olarn said Cambodia has outperformed Thailand on many fronts in the conflict, such as international diplomacy, and unity between the government and its military. Nonetheless, the conservative camp sees Thaksin and his networks as necessary, so they are likely to maintain their status for now. However, Mr Olarn expressed doubts about Pheu Thai's chances of winning the next elections though Ms Paetongtarn is likely to hold on to the prime minister post as long as there is no court order to remove her from office. Public backlash Prathuang Muang-on, a lecturer at Ubon Ratchathani University's political science faculty, said the border conflict has eroded confidence in the ruling party, pointing to open hostility toward Thaksin during his recent visit to Ubon Ratchathani to support civilians displaced by the clashes. While the lower Northeast is traditionally not a stronghold for Pheu Thai's constituency MPs, the party has performed well in the party-list system. But the border dispute is thought to cut into the party's support in Ubon Ratchathani and Si Sa Ket by at least 5%. Also, although Pheu Thai has a broad support base in the Northeast, the fallout from the border dispute has sparked criticism among northeastern voters, Mr Prathuang said. The leaked clip was the first factor, followed by the government's slow response in addressing the crisis and helping those affected. Combined with the military's proactive role in the conflict, the government is viewed negatively, he said. Even if Ms Paetongtarn steps down and Pheu Thai's prime ministerial candidate Chaikasem Nitisiri takes over, it is unlikely to make much of a difference. However, does not expect a dramatic change in Pheu Thai's overall seat count in the next elections, though the landslide victories in the constituency system which the party once enjoyed are now a thing of the past. It would also have a tough time winning party-list support. Court ruling is key Korkaew Pikulthong, a red-shirt leader and a Pheu Thai list-MP, admitted the government's image has suffered from poor communication but insisted the border tensions are unlikely to change the political landscape. "What really matters is the court's decision. If the court rules against Ms Paetongtarn, she is out, and the fallout could be immense. The party's third candidate, Mr Chaikasem, may not have much backing from the party MPs or coalition partners," he said. It was too soon to say whether the political turbulence marks a turning point even if Ms Paetongtarn is removed from office because the court decision would be based on evidence rather than an attempt to eliminate a political family. "It can't be concluded it is the end of Shinawatra family. It is one-time incident to be judged on its own merits. But if the prime minister is removed from office, it will shake public confidence," he said. He said that Thaksin still holds political clout and the former prime minister commands more public confidence than many other political figures. Asked whether the Shinawatra family's clout is fading, he said Pheu Thai has been on a downward trend since the last general election. He said stimulus schemes were not effective in reviving the economy because cash handouts were often not spent as intended. A digital wallet would allow more control and ensure the money is spent effectively, he added. Still, he said the focus now is on delivering results, especially on key economic initiatives and passing the budget bill which is not expected to face any hurdles. In the event the government is unable to continue, a House dissolution is the most likely path forward. While some analysts predict Pheu Thai could fall below 100 seats in the next elections, he said: "Let's not underestimate the party too soon." Full-blown crisis of faith Bhumjaithai Party deputy leader Siripong Angkasakulkiat said the government faces a deep lack of public confidence, and its actions, whether from Thaksin, Ms Paetongtarn or acting prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai, have done little to inspire confidence. He criticised the government's handling of the border conflict, saying it should have relied on formal, state-level diplomacy. Instead, the government's tone comes across as personal, which has stirred suspicions. Mr Siripong also pointed to a lack of coordination and strategic direction within the administration. Many officials appear hesitant to act if there are no clear instructions, possibly out of fear of making missteps or displeasing their superiors or the public. "They do what only they are told. When there are no clear orders, nothing gets done. The government communication has been one-sided, focusing only on positive news without offering a clear, comprehensive plan to address the crisis," he said. Mr Siripong said the Pheu Thai-led government has a chance to prove itself, but missed it. "What they now face is a full-blown crisis of public faith," he said. Asked whether the Shinawatra family still carries weight, he said Thailand risks heading down a path similar to Cambodia, where political power remains in a single family. On the government's fate, he said the ruling party's focus is on short-term populist projects, such as the 20-baht electric train fare policy, with which it hopes to score quick wins ahead of elections. However, it is unclear if this will work. Pheu Thai could slip to the third place and win fewer than 100 seats in the next polls. "The government's future hinges on two key events: the court's ruling on Ms Paetongtarn's case and the outcome of the next censure debate. Based on the current public mood, it's hard to see this administration lasting much longer," he said.
Bangkok Post
24 minutes ago
- Bangkok Post
China, US, Malaysia to observe talks
China, the United States, and Malaysia will observe the final day of the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting between Thailand and Cambodia, on Aug 7 in Malaysia, the Ministry of Defence says. Rear Adm Surasan Kongsiri, the ministry's spokesman, said Deputy Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit, who is serving as acting minister, approved the participation of the three countries as observers. The talks, originally set to be held in Phnom Penh, will now take place in Malaysia from Monday until Thursday. However, the talks are not seen as a platform for negotiations between the countries. He said discussions from Monday until Wednesday will consist of preparatory meetings between secretary-level teams, with Thailand requesting three days to review all issues ahead of the main talks on Thursday. The core agenda, he said, is to solve tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border. Rear Adm Surasan said the meeting has been elevated to a policy-level discussion and will not involve bilateral negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia. On Friday, Gen Nattaphon said it was unnecessary to have neutral observers attend, as the meeting is a bilateral forum -- unlike the previous ceasefire negotiations, which involved external mediation. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is ramping up efforts to counter misinformation and reaffirm Thailand's position to the international community. Chayika Wongnapachant, an adviser to Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, said the ministry will hold a briefing on Monday with foreign diplomats, following their recent visit to the border areas to assess damages caused to Thai civilians.
Bangkok Post
24 minutes ago
- Bangkok Post
US tariff opens 'opportunity' to reorient economy
An economist is urging the government to adopt a three-phase strategy to cushion the impact of the newly-imposed 19% US tariff, warning that while the immediate effect may not be catastrophic, the move exposes deeper structural vulnerabilities. Asst Prof Kiatanantha Lounkaew, of Thammasat University's Faculty of Economics, said on Saturday the tariff, which came into effect on Friday, should not only be seen as a threat but as an opportunity to reorient the economy for long-term resilience. He proposed a phased response to mitigate shocks and drive structural reform. In the short term (0–6 months), he recommended a relief fund be set up by the Finance Ministry and Board of Investment to offer low-interest loans and liquidity support to affected exporters, particularly SMEs. Temporary tax relief and tariff cuts on essential raw materials should also be considered, along with aggressive market diversification into regions such as India, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, he said. The medium-term plan (6–18 months) should focus on restructuring supply chains, reducing foreign dependency and promoting industries aligned with sustainability goals, he said. New investment incentives must align with global standards like ESG criteria and carbon border taxes, he added. He also stressed the need for workforce upskilling and the integration of digital tools like AI and big data. In the long run (1.5–5 years), Thailand must shift from being a low-cost manufacturing base to a regional hub for high-value services and innovation, he said. This requires robust investment in R&D, patent development and upstream technologies, he added. Asst Prof Kiatanantha also proposed the formation of a Thai-US economic dialogue platform and active engagement in multilateral forums to avoid future trade frictions.
