Latest news with #Thai-Cambodian
The Star
10 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Border tensions rise as Thaksin court ruling looms June 13
BANGKOK: As the June 13 court ruling on Thaksin Shinawatra nears, Thai-Cambodian border tensions are intensifying, fuelling speculation of political distractions and raising questions about intertwined family interests between Bangkok and Phnom Penh. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Deputy Prime Minister/Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai are facing intense public backlash after news broke that they rejected a military proposal to shut down border crossings with Cambodia. The proposal followed a formal letter from the Thai military citing serious concerns over Cambodian troops amassing along disputed territory claimed by Thailand. The letter stated that nearly half of Cambodia's army, equipped with heavy weaponry, had been deployed to the Chong Bok area, with artillery guns pointed toward Thai positions — a move viewed as overtly threatening. The Thai military expressed discomfort over what it described as Cambodian encroachment. It argued that a failure to act might be perceived as Thailand conceding its claim, and therefore called for the closure of the entire Thai-Cambodian border to protect national sovereignty and ensure public safety. However, Phumtham urged restraint, advising the military to remain calm and avoid escalating tensions. He warned that a border shutdown could harm tourism and cross-border trade, potentially worsening Thailand's already fragile economy. Adding to the complexity, a meeting of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) is scheduled for mid-June to address the ongoing dispute. Behind the scenes, high-level Cambodian leaders — including Prime Minister Hun Manet and Deputy PM/Defence Minister Gen Tea Seiha — reportedly contacted senior figures in the Thai government, asking them to delay the border closure decision. There's no denying the growing public unease within Thailand over the government's surprisingly restrained response to escalating tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border. While Cambodia has taken an aggressive stance, threatening to take the territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and warning of potential military action, Thailand's official posture has remained cautious. The Cambodian side has clearly adopted a rapid and forceful approach, notably as the Thai Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions prepares to hear a case on June 13 involving former PM Thaksin Shinawatra's hospital stay while in prison. Fuelling speculation is a recent social media post by Hun Sen, Cambodia's Senate President and longtime ally of Thaksin. In his post, Hun Sen adopted a confrontational tone, sharing images of disputed border areas and citing them as evidence of Cambodia's territorial claims. Meanwhile, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet issued a stern statement reaffirming that while Cambodia prefers to resolve border issues through legal and technical channels, it reserves the right to use military force if its territory is encroached upon. Hun Manet emphasized that Cambodia is committed to peaceful resolution mechanisms under international law but has also ordered the following steps: Immediate convening of the Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) with Thailand to resume demarcation and installation of border markers. Inclusion of key disputed areas—Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, Ta Kro Bei Temple, and the Mombei zone—on the JBC agenda, with a view to escalating the case to the ICJ. Hun Sen has publicly endorsed Hun Manet's move to pursue legal action at the international level, backing efforts to bring the disputes over Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, Ta Kro Bei, and the Emerald Triangle to the ICJ. The Royal Thai Army has confirmed that both Thai and Cambodian troops have pulled back from the frontline at the Chong Bok border crossing in a de-escalation move ahead of talks under the JBC framework. Army spokesperson Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree stated that both sides agreed to step back from potential flashpoints to allow diplomatic and legal mechanisms—particularly through the JBC—to address issues related to border demarcation and relevant treaties or memorandums of understanding (MoUs). According to Gen Pana Klaewblaudtuk, Army Commander-in-Chief, three key points were agreed upon during recent discussions with his Cambodian counterpart: A mutual withdrawal of troops from the disputed zone; A commitment to resolve the matter through the JBC mechanism; A pledge to adhere strictly to prior agreements, treaties, and joint operating protocols to prevent future tensions. 'The existing agreements stipulate that disputed zones—such as the area where defensive trenches have been dug—are to be left untouched. There must be no changes to terrain, no deployment of troops, and no artillery aimed at the Thai side. We must uphold these mutual understandings before considering any further measures,' Winthai emphasised. An important note is that Cambodia will host the upcoming JBC meeting, and therefore holds the authority to set the date, time, and venue. The meeting is expected to take place in mid-June, likely after the politically sensitive June 13 court date for Thaksin. All eyes are now on the Thai-Cambodian border at Chong Bok, as tensions threaten to escalate in the run-up to the June 13 court hearing that could determine the fate of Thaksin. The verdict—whether in his favour or not—may have far-reaching implications, including along the border. If the court's ruling goes against Thaksin, unrest at the Chong Bok crossing could spill over to other border provinces such as Sa Kaeo and Si Sa Ket. Analysts warn this could be part of a deliberate effort to divert public attention from domestic political drama by shifting focus to a military standoff with Cambodia. The situation bears striking resemblance to the final stages of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's rice-pledging case. At that time, national attention fixated on the Supreme Court, only for Yingluck to flee the country before the verdict was delivered. The intertwining of the Shinawatra and Hun Sen families adds another layer of intrigue. Their relationship spans politics, business, and even personal ties—most notably through the marriage connection between the daughter of Yaowapa Wongsawat (Thaksin's sister) and a son of one of Hun Sen's close political allies. During Hun Sen's 71st birthday in 2023, he famously expressed two heartfelt wishes: for his 'dear friend' Thaksin to return safely to Thailand, and to one day see his son, Hun Manet, and Thaksin's daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, rise to become prime ministers of their respective nations—a vision he believed would solidify Thai-Cambodian relations. Now, however, that vision is clouded by legal peril. Thaksin faces a new challenge with the so-called 'Ward 14 Case,' and the outcome remains uncertain. As tensions rise, the government—especially Paetongtarn, now Prime Minister and seen as a political protégé and daughter figure to Thaksin—will be under pressure to provide clear, reasoned leadership. The current flare-up at the border may well be a byproduct of these entangled personal and political interests. Regardless of how the court rules, many observers believe Cambodia stands to gain—either diplomatically or strategically—while Thailand risks losing ground, both literally and figuratively, under the weight of overlapping family and political interests. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
12 hours 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
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
Cambodia says it will seek World Court ruling on border disputes with Thailand that led to clash
Cambodian General Mao Sophan (front, left) and Royal Thai Army commander-in-chief General Pana Klaewplodthuk (front, right) during a meeting on May 29 near the Thai-Cambodian border after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a frontier clash. -- PHOTO: EPA-EFE via The Straits Times/ANN PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP): Cambodia's government says it plans to seek a ruling from the UN's International Court of Justice over border disputes with neighboring Thailand, one of which triggered a fatal military clash last week. Cambodia's National Assembly, where Prime Minister Hun Manet's ruling Cambodian People's Party holds all but a handful of seats, voted on Monday to support the government's decision. A 1962 ruling by the same court, awarding to Cambodia the disputed territory on which a historic temple is located, rankled Thailand and to this day remains a major irritant in bilateral relations. Thai officials did not immediately respond to Cambodia's intention to seek a ruling from the court, which is located in The Hague in the Netherlands and also known as the World Court. Thailand's Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said Sunday that Thailand's actions at the border were proportionate and in line with domestic and international law. He said the situation at the border remained calm, and that both sides agreed to find solutions to ease the tension as soon as possible. The brief May 28 clash near Morokot village, in Cambodia's northwestern province of Preah Vihear, in which one Cambodian soldier was killed, began when Cambodian troops were conducting a routine patrol along the border when the Thai side opened fire, the Cambodian side says. The Thai army says that Cambodian soldiers entered a disputed patch of land and opened fire when Thai soldiers approached them to negotiate. Hun Manet in social media posts on Sunday declared that his government will ask the court to rule on the demarcation of several disputed areas, including where the centuries-old Hindu-style Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch and Ta Kro Bei temples are located. In February, Cambodian troops and their family members entered the Ta Moan Thom temple in disputed territory and sang the Cambodian national anthem, leading to a brief argument with Thai forces. After last week's flare-up, both sides quickly called for calm and talks to ease their differences, while reserving the right to use military action to safeguard their sovereignty. On Thursday, the two countries' army commanders met to discuss how to avoid more clashes. On Monday, Hun Manet called for the two countries to have their Joint Border Commission continue the work of border demarcation, as well as having the World Court take up the issue. Hun Manet's announced intention to appeal to the World Court may touch a raw nerve in Thailand, because the 1962 ruling awarding the major Preah Vihear temple to Cambodia is a touchstone issue for Thai nationalists. and wielded in domestic politics. Last year, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinatwatra's government was attacked on nationalist grounds for proposing to resume talks with Cambodia on demarcation of maritime territory believed to hold profitable hydrocarbon resources. In 2008, there were several deadly clashes between Cambodia and Thai forces at the Preah Vihear promontory, an area on which sits a 1,000-year-old temple that was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that same year. In 2013, the World Court reaffirmed its 1962 ruling. Hun Manet, speaking Monday to Cambodia lawmakers, said his government would take the cases of the other disputed areas to the World Court to determine ownership even if Thailand did not join in the appeal, in order "to end this problem and extinguish it once and for all so that there is no further confusion.' "In particular, let's not fall for the incitement of a handful of extremist groups in Cambodia and Thailand, and let's not fall into the problem of confrontation by armed forces of the two countries," he said. -- Associated Press writer Jintamas Saksornchai in Bangkok contributed to this report.
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Thailand to shut border with Cambodia amid boycott tensions
BANGKOK: Thailand is set to close six border checkpoints and ten temporary crossings with Cambodia, including Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom tourist points, amid a Cambodian nationalist backlash and boycott calls. A report from security agencies on Saturday (May 31, 2025) stated that a clash between Thai and Cambodian troops near Chong Bok, Ubon Ratchathani Province, on May 28, resulted in the deaths of a Cambodian soldier and injuries to several others. In response, a wave of nationalist sentiment erupted on Cambodian social media, with widespread calls to boycott all Thai products as a form of retaliation. Thai security officials expressed concern over the safety of local communities along the border, especially those engaged in cross-border trade. As a result of the incident, an emergency meeting was called to announce the closure of all border checkpoints along the Thai-Cambodian border, which include: Six Permanent Border Crossings: Chong Sa Ngam, Phu Sing District, Sisaket Province; Chong Chom, Kap Choeng District, Surin Province; Ban Khlong Luek, Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province; Ban Laem, Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province; Ban Phak Kad, Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province; Ban Hat Lek, Khlong Yai District, Trat Province Ten Temporary Border Crossings: Chong An Ma, Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani Province; Ban Ta Phraya, Ta Phraya District, Sa Kaeo Province; Ban Nong Plue, Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province; Ban Khao Din, Khlong Hat District, Sa Kaeo Province; Ban Sap Tari, Soi Dao District, Chanthaburi Province; Ban Bueng Chanang Lang, Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province; Ban Suan Som, Soi Dao District, Chanthaburi Province; Ban Muen Dan, Bo Ploy Subdistrict, Bo Rai District, Trat Province; Ban Cha Mong, Nonsi Subdistrict, Bo Rai District, Trat Province; Chong Sai Taku, Chanthop Phet Subdistrict, Ban Kruat District, Buri Ram Province. Also temporarily closed are the Preah Vihear tourist crossing in Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province and the Ta Muen Thom checkpoint in Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province - The Nation/ANN
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Thai, Cambodian soldiers exchange fire at disputed border area
Thai and Cambodian soldiers talk along a disputed part of the Thai-Cambodian border. PHOTO: AFP BANGKOK – Thai and Cambodian soldiers exchanged fire at a disputed border area early on May 28, prompting the two sides to hold talks to end the standoff. Thailand accused Cambodian soldiers of entering the disputed area in violation of an agreement and firing at its soldiers when confronted. Thai troops returned fire. There were no injuries or casualties in the clashes that took place near the border area in Thailand's north-eastern Ubon Ratchathani province, Major-General Winthai Suvaree, a spokesman for the Thai army, told reporters. But Cambodian army spokesman Major-General Mao Phalla said a Cambodian soldier was killed. 'One of our soldiers died during the fight, and there were some injuries, but we don't have detailed figures yet,' he said. He told the Associated Press the Cambodian troops were conducting a routine patrol along the border when the Thai side opened fire. Government spokesman Pen Bona did not immediately respond to a Bloomberg request seeking details of the clash. Thai Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the firing was triggered by a misunderstanding and both sides were talking to diffuse the tension. Thailand will not pull its troops until Cambodian soldiers, who have dug a trench in the disputed area, withdraw, Lieutenant-General Boonsin Phadklang, commander of the 2nd Army Region, told reporters. Thailand and Cambodia have a long history of clashes over land disputes, but they have largely maintained cordial relations since a deadly conflict in 2011 left dozens dead. The border skirmishes happened a day after a gathering of Asean leaders in Kuala Lumpur reiterated their commitment to regional peace, security and stability. Cambodia and Thailand are both members of Asean. BLOOMBERG, AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
