Latest news with #Thai–Cambodian
Bangkok Post
14 minutes ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Bomb disposal teams sent to border
The Royal Thai Armed Forces is deploying 15 bomb disposal teams along the border in Surin, Si Sa Ket and Buri Ram provinces as part of heightened security measures ordered in the wake of recent landmine explosions along the Thai-Cambodian frontier. Chief of the defence forces, Gen Songwit Noonpakdee, said the teams -- along with officers from Border Patrol Police and local community leaders -- will support the demining efforts by the Thailand Mine Action Centre (TMAC). To date, they have surveyed and cleared over 800 locations across the three provinces, Gen Songwit said, adding the explosive ordnance disposal operation will continue until the areas along the border are cleared of landmines. Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, Commander of the Second Army Region, said he had talks with Gen Pana Klaewplodthuk, Royal Thai Army (RTA) commander-in-chief, regarding the upcoming Thai–Cambodian Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting on Aug 27 in Si Sa Ket. He said the agenda still focuses on a review of conclusions from the Thai–Cambodian General Border Committee (GBC) meeting with minor clarifications. Key issues, he said, will include landmine clearance and preventing troop reinforcements or incursions in deployment zones, such as aircraft flying too close to the border, which could provoke clashes. Asked whether the meeting would yield tangible results, Lt Gen Boonsin said this depended on the Cambodian site. He added that on Thursday, the Thai–Cambodian RBC secretariats would hold preliminary talks, led by the First Army Region Chief of Staff on the Thai side and the Deputy Commander of Cambodia's Fifth Military Region. Meanwhile, several schools along the Thai-Cambodian border in Surin reopened on Monday after a temporary closure caused by the recent border clashes. However, many classrooms remained quiet with a good number of parents keeping their children home due to safety concerns.
Bangkok Post
a day ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Royal Thai Army reaffirms authenticity of 'Cambodian landmines'
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) on Sunday sparred with the director of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) over the authenticity of alleged Cambodian PMN-2 anti-personnel landmines displayed during an inspection event in Si Sa Ket province on Saturday. CMAC director Heng Ratana claimed the PMN-2 landmines on display were still fitted with safety pins, casting doubt on the notion that they were planted by Cambodia in the first place. The de-mining group director argued that for a mine to trigger an explosion when stepped on, its safety pin must first be removed. He suggested the display of landmines by the Thai military was aimed at misleading the delegations of journalists and diplomats at the event. Maj Gen Winthai Suwaree countered this by saying the mines shown were discovered during clearance operations on Aug 4 in the Phu Makua area in the northeastern border province, previously occupied by Cambodian troops. Large numbers of PMN-2 mines, including those with pins intact and those unpinned (ready to be planted), were found, he added. The pinned and unpinned landmines found in the area were the ones presented to the delegations during the event, he said, accusing Heng Ratana of attempting to undermine the credibility of the evidence. In other news, Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit, Deputy Defence Minister, said the Thai–Cambodian Border Situation Administration Centre, which was set up for negotiations, may appear to be inactive as it prepares for the outcome of a new Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting. Afterwards, the centre will start preparing for the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in Cambodia's Siem Reap, to be held from Sept 8–10, he said. He said short, medium and long-term plans were being drafted for approval by the National Security Council and cabinet. After the RBC meeting in Trat on Saturday, Cambodia reaffirmed it was keen on peaceful border cooperation despite the recent skirmishes between both sides. This was in line with the talks between Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai in Malaysia on July 28 and a GBC meeting on Aug 7.
Bangkok Post
a day ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
RTA reaffirms authenticity of 'Cambodian landmines'
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) on Sunday sparred with the director of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) over the authenticity of alleged Cambodian PMN-2 anti-personnel landmines displayed during an inspection event in Si Sa Ket province on Saturday. CMAC director Heng Ratana claimed the PMN-2 landmines on display were still fitted with safety pins, casting doubt on the notion that they were planted by Cambodia in the first place. The de-mining group director argued that for a mine to trigger an explosion when stepped on, its safety pin must first be removed. He suggested the display of landmines by the Thai military was aimed at misleading the delegations of journalists and diplomats at the event. Maj Gen Winthai Suwaree countered this by saying the mines shown were discovered during clearance operations on Aug 4 in the Phu Makua area in the northeastern border province, previously occupied by Cambodian troops. Large numbers of PMN-2 mines, including those with pins intact and those unpinned (ready to be planted), were found, he added. The pinned and unpinned landmines found in the area were the ones presented to the delegations during the event, he said, accusing Heng Ratana of attempting to undermine the credibility of the evidence. In other news, Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit, Deputy Defence Minister, said the Thai–Cambodian Border Situation Administration Centre, which was set up for negotiations, may appear to be inactive as it prepares for the outcome of a new Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting. Afterwards, the centre will start preparing for the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in Cambodia's Siem Reap, to be held from Sept 8–10, he said. He said short, medium and long-term plans were being drafted for approval by the National Security Council and cabinet. After the RBC meeting in Trat on Saturday, Cambodia reaffirmed it was keen on peaceful border cooperation despite the recent skirmishes between both sides. This was in line with the talks between Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai in Malaysia on July 28 and a GBC meeting on Aug 7.
The Sun
12-08-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
‘Act as facilitator to resolve southern Thailand conflict'
PETALING JAYA: Deep-rooted divisions and political instability in Thailand could hinder efforts to end the decades-old insurgency in its south, analysts warn – even as Malaysia's Asean chairmanship gives Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim a rare opening to push for peace. International Islamic University Malaysia international relations expert Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Yazid Zul Kepli said Malaysia should position itself as a facilitator rather than an intervener to avoid breaching Asean's principle of non-interference. 'Malaysia can host talks, provide neutral venues and encourage dialogue if both Thailand and insurgent representatives agree,' he said. 'The emphasis should be on voluntary engagement, not imposing solutions. This will still be difficult as the conflict has been ongoing for a long time.' Yazid said Malaysia could also use upcoming Asean meetings to hold informal side discussions, invite peace process experts and integrate the conflict into wider conversations on regional security. 'These efforts can help build trust between the two sides, framing it as a security concern that affects the whole region, not just Thailand,' he said. 'Malaysia can promote dialogue, encourage confidence-building, and provide platforms for discussion, but it cannot force negotiations or interfere in Thailand's internal affairs without consent.' He said Anwar's track record in personal diplomacy, including his role in mediating the recent Thailand–Cambodia ceasefire, lends credibility to Malaysia's offer. On Aug 9, Anwar said Malaysia was ready to mediate the conflict in southern Thailand and to help end tensions. While calling it an internal matter for Bangkok, he said Thai authorities had shown willingness to continue efforts to stop violence on both sides. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Mazlan Ali expressed similar confidence in Anwar's ability to handle sensitive regional issues, citing his involvement in peace efforts in Myanmar, southern Thailand and the Thai–Cambodian dispute. 'Anwar is trusted not only in Asean but also on the world stage,' Mazlan said. 'US President Donald Trump acknowledged his diplomatic skills in the Thai–Cambodian conflict. He is also seen as a charismatic and trustworthy leader in handling complex issues such as Palestine.' Mazlan said regional states have more confidence in Malaysia's foreign policy direction under Anwar than in previous administrations. 'There is no risk in Malaysia's role as a peace mediator. In fact, it enhances global respect for the country because our foreign policy is flexible and non-aligned.' Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research senior fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said Bangkok also trusts Malaysia to remain neutral but warned that the main obstacle lies in the Thai government's relationship with the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), an Islamic militant group in southern Thailand. 'BRN does not represent the entire spectrum of Islamic militancy and people in the south. It is only a small part of a much larger issue,' Azmi said. 'Malaysia has leverage, as shown in our role in creating the Bangsamoro in the Philippines. But that case was different as in Mindanao, the separatist group represented the entire militant movement. 'In southern Thailand, BRN does not speak for all militant groups or the entire Muslim community.' Azmi said Bangkok has few options but to work with Malaysia, given their shared border and Malaysia's strong ties with the Muslim population in the region, many of whom feel closer to Malaysia than to the Thai capital. He added that Thailand's political turbulence further complicates the peace process. 'Even their prime minister is serving in an interim capacity. Negotiations between Bangkok and BRN have been inconsistent, starting and stopping depending on who is prime minister at the time. 'We want to see the conflict resolved, but progress remains difficult.' With several high-level Asean meetings scheduled in the coming months, observers say Malaysia could use its role as chair to quietly prepare the ground for renewed talks, but lasting peace will demand patience, trust and sustained political will from all sides.
