Latest news with #2ndArmyRegion
The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
Thai Commander: Over 400 protests filed against Cambodian border violations
BANGKOK: In a detailed Facebook post, Major General Nutt Sri-in, Deputy Commander of the 2nd Army Region, alleged that Cambodia has violated the 2000 MoU by advancing troops and digging trenches into Thai territory. He stated that Thai forces have exercised restraint and pursued peaceful negotiations, but warned that further unilateral action could escalate tensions. Maj Gen Nutt Sri-in, Deputy Commander of Thailand's 2nd Army Region, posted a detailed message on his personal Facebook page on Saturday (June 7), highlighting key historical and legal facts surrounding the Thai-Cambodian border dispute. He wrote: 'The Truth... 1. Thailand and Cambodia have long-standing border issues, primarily because the two sides rely on different historical maps. 2. The 1:200,000-scale map often referenced was produced as part of the Franco-Siam Treaties of 1904 and 1907. It is a rough-scale map with several discrepancies from the actual watershed line. 3. To address these differences, both countries agreed to establish the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to work together on producing an officially accepted border line and demarcation markers. 4. While the JBC carries out its work, a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2000 (commonly referred to as MOU43) provides guidelines for both sides. Notably, Article 5 prohibits any alteration of terrain that could impact the watershed boundary. - Photo: The Nation/ANN 5. In the past, Cambodia has consistently violated MOU43 by expanding communities, building casinos, and cultivating crops near the border—actions that damage the watershed. We have lodged more than 400 protests, but cooperation to resolve the issues has been minimal. Meanwhile, on our side, the area falls under national park status, so no such actions can be taken. 6. Before the burning of the Trimuk Pavilion on February 28, 2025, Cambodian troops were stationed no closer than 500 metres from the border. Our forces were similarly positioned. The area in between was a zone of peace, where both sides came and went, coordinated, and resolved issues through dialogue. 7. On February 28, 2025, Cambodia burned down the Trimuk Pavilion and advanced their forces to the alstonia scholaris tree, which intrudes approximately 150 metres into Thai sovereignty. They also dug a trench, destroyed the watershed, and violated MoU 43. 8. We have tried to resolve the issue peacefully, with patience and restraint. We have held negotiations many times, requesting the withdrawal of troops that encroached on Thai sovereignty, but Cambodia refused to pull back. Eventually, weapons were used on May 28, 2025. 9. Thai commanders at all levels have sought peaceful solutions, repeatedly negotiating for the withdrawal of troops from the encroached area. Cambodia claims those forces were already stationed there before MOU43, which is absolutely untrue. If troops had been there last year (August 2024), how could I have walked through that point to reach the Trimuk Pavilion? 10. Cambodia claims it is under aggression and that Thailand is not resolving the issue peacefully. They threaten to escalate the conflict to the International Court of Justice, saying it will bring closure. But how can there be closure? 11. Cambodia continues to reinforce troops and bring in weapons, attempting to extend control to other parts of the border that were previously unoccupied forest or hills. If we deploy forces to defend our sovereignty, it becomes a direct confrontation. For what purpose? 12. We have already agreed rules between our two sides. Wouldn't it be better to face each other openly and talk like men? If this goes to court, our children will end up adversaries forever. What good can come from that, if we still consider each other friends? - The Nation/ANN
The Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Thailand asks military to be patient at Thai-Cambodian border
BANGKOK: Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, Commander of the 2nd Army Region, on Monday (June 2) acknowledged that the government had requested the military to remain patient regarding the Thai-Cambodian border situation, following a buildup of Cambodian forces and heavy weaponry in the Chong Bok area, Ubon Ratchathani Province. This area is claimed by both Thailand and Cambodia, with Thai military officials reporting incursions into Thai territory. Boonsin stated that the Thai government has asked the military to exercise restraint despite growing concerns over these developments. He confirmed that, while the military supports the government's decision to avoid escalating tensions, the possibility of closing the border will be proposed if the situation becomes too untrustworthy. 'We received instructions from the government to exercise patience,' he said. 'It is our policy to maintain composure and follow due process. We cannot act impulsively or make decisions on our own. We will endure as long as possible, following the proper steps. Currently, we are following the government's directives, and we are in the process of holding a Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) meeting to resolve the issue.' Regarding the potential closure of the Thai-Cambodian border as a measure to put pressure on Cambodia, Boonsin clarified that while the military has not yet made a final decision, it remains one option on the table. The military is concerned that the closure could harm local communities along the border, which is why they are waiting for further developments. If the situation becomes untrustworthy, the military will propose closing the border to the government. 'I acknowledge that the government has indeed requested us to remain patient,' Boonsin said. 'As for the border closure, it is only one of the measures we are considering. If the situation becomes untenable, we will propose this to the government.' Boonsin also mentioned that, in the past few days, Thai citizens have continued to closely follow the situation at the Thai-Cambodian border. Many have shown their support by sending supplies and messages of encouragement to the Thai military. 'We thank all Thai people, from every background, ethnicity, and religion, who care about our sovereignty and the border issue,' he said. 'It is our duty, as the military, to protect our borders and uphold sovereignty, following the official maps and guidelines with the utmost rigour. We will not let any land be lost. Please trust in our soldiers; we will do our best to fulfill our duties." - The Nation/ANN
The Star
18-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Thai, Cambodian troops hold talks over border patrol dispute
BANGKOK: The Suranaree Task Force engaged Cambodian troops over border patrol amid recent territorial concerns, Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, Commander of the 2nd Army Region, said on Saturday (May 17). He clarified the situation following reports of Cambodian troops encroaching on Thai territory in Nam Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani. Images had surfaced depicting Cambodian soldiers establishing fortifications, digging trenches, and reinforcing their position with nearly a hundred armed personnel, seemingly preparing for a potential confrontation with Thai forces. Boonsin stated that the Suranaree Task Force had been monitoring the situation for some time and had reported their findings. He further explained that discussions had taken place between Thai and Cambodian military officials, leading to an agreement to halt the trench-digging efforts and withdraw troops from the disputed area. 'The two sides have arranged meetings at scheduled intervals, conducted without weaponry, to discuss joint patrol operations,' he confirmed. - The Nation/ANN
