Latest news with #Nattaphon
Bangkok Post
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Thai-Cambodian border tensions easing, say ministers
Tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border are starting to ease and Thailand expects Cambodia to withdraw forces from the border and return to bilateral talks, say Thai ministers. Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said on Thursday that tensions had subsided to a certain extent because there have been no skirmishes, although soldiers and weapons are still stationed close to the border. The Thai side would like to see the withdrawal of forces to the normal positions they occupied last year because the Thai government is concerned about the safety of local people, Mr Maris said. Thailand will try to resolve issues with Cambodia bilaterally through official diplomatic channels, he said, adding that the Thai government would not negotiate through social media. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father, Hun Sen, have been prolific posters on Facebook and other channels, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says has only exacerbated the situation. The current dispute erupted after a clash on May 28 between Thai and Cambodian forces over a disputed part of the border in Ubon Ratchathani, in which one Cambodian soldier was killed. In parliament, Deputy Defence Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit said the measures Thailand had adopted at the border did not place undue pressure on people. The border was not closed but crossings by people and vehicles have been limited to those who have regular duties related to work, school or trade, he said. At the Chong Chom crossing in Kap Choeng district of Surin, he noted, the Thai gate was open but the adjacent Cambodian border gate was closed. 'The existing pressures are not meant for economic effect but are intended to put pressure on criminal gangs. … Now scams have dropped noticeably,' he said, referring to the heavy concentration of criminal activity in Cambodian border towns such as Poipet. Gen Nattaphon also said that Cambodian members of the Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) had resumed talks with their Thai counterparts and that was a positive sign. Earlier, they refused to talk and insisted only on bringing border issues to the International Court of Justice, which Thailand has opposed. Thai and Cambodian officials on the JBC are now considering conditions for further negotiations, said Gen Nattaphon, who is also acting as defence minister because the position was left vacant during the recent cabinet reshuffle. If the JBC resumes its meetings, he said, Thailand will propose that forces return to their normal positions to prevent untoward incidents and that intensified border controls be lifted.
Bangkok Post
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Nattaphon gives security assurances
Deputy Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit tried to assure the public that there will be no power vacuum and national security work will continue as usual despite the defence minister post being left vacant. Gen Nattaphon said on Wednesday he is authorised to serve as acting defence minister under the law governing the Defence Ministry and insisted national security operations in all areas will proceed without disruption. The defence minister's post, left vacant in the latest cabinet reshuffle, has sparked speculation it is being reserved for Gen Chalermpol Srisawat, a former senator and chief of the defence forces. By law, Gen Chalermpol, like all former senators, cannot hold public office for at least two years after vacating his Senate seat. This period ends on Sept 30. Regarding public concerns over Thai-Cambodian border tensions, Gen Nattaphon said the matter is being handled by the Thai-Cambodian Border Situation Administration Centre (TCBSAC) under a resolution passed by the National Security Council (NSC) on June 27. The centre is implementing measures to manage the situation, he said, adding the overall situation along the border remains unchanged. All necessary mechanisms are being employed to coordinate with Cambodia to resolve any disputes through bilateral frameworks, especially the General Border Committee (GBC), which is co-chaired by the defence ministries of both countries. The GBC is responsible for discussing strategic directions and appropriate measures to enhance cooperation and maintain peace and order along the shared border. However, he said the Regional Border Committee, which operates at a regional military level, cannot fully address the current issues. Gen Nattaphon said there has been progress as Cambodia is more open to engage in dialogue, but negotiations are ongoing and he could not disclose specific details. He added Thailand remains firm in maintaining its current policy on border checkpoint operating hours. On Cambodia's International Court of Justice petition over the disputed sites -- Ta Muen Thom, Ta Muen Toch, Ta Kwai, and the Emerald Triangle -- he said the centre is only responsible for managing the border situation and will not involve itself in any legal matters.
Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Defence minister's post left vacant in reshuffle
The post of defence minister has been left vacant in the latest Thai cabinet reshuffle, prompting speculation that it is being reserved for Gen Chalermpol Srisawat, a former senator and chief of defence forces. Until then, Deputy Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit will fill in as acting minister in the cabinet shake-up announced in the Royal Gazette, according to a source familiar with the matter. The move has fuelled speculation that the vacancy is being held for Gen Chalermpol, said the source, asking not to be named. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, speaking shortly before the Constitutional Court suspended her as prime minister on Tuesday over a leaked phone conversation with former Cambodian premier Hun Sen, insisted the defence ministry would carry on as usual under Gen Nattaphon's capable stewardship. She neither confirmed nor denied speculation surrounding Gen Chalermpol becoming the minister after Sept 30. Ms Paetongtarn declined to comment when asked whether she had deliberately refrained from appointing a new defence minister to succeed Phumtham Wechayachai — who is now interior minister — to avoid provoking a negative reaction from the armed forces amid the border dispute with Cambodia. Mr Phumtham, meanwhile, voiced confidence in Gen Nattaphon's ability to serve effectively, citing his broad expertise and strong coordination skills. Mr Phumtham, who is also a deputy prime minister, said he had no idea why Ms Paetongtarn decided to leave the defence minister's post vacant.
