Authorities articulate justification for application of force in local context
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asserted that the country's response to border disputes has been proportionate, lawful, and in line with Thailand's human rights obligations. This statement comes amidst recent incidents involving Cambodian nationals encroaching on Thai territory.
On Wednesday, a confrontation took place near Ban Nong Ya Kaeo in Sa Kaeo province's Khok Sung district, with Thai police using rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the Cambodian protesters, who were accused of assaulting Thai officers. The Thai army spokesman confirmed that the Cambodian nationals were illegally occupying Thai territory.
In response to these incidents, Caretaker Defence Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit has instructed the First Army Region to convene a Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting. The aim of this meeting, scheduled for September 24-25, is to defuse tensions and prevent further incidents.
The RBC meeting will address operational matters concerning border management and development initiatives. It is intended to be a platform for negotiations between the two countries, with the hope of making progress in reducing tensions. If progress is not made, the matter will be escalated to the General Border Committee.
Gen Nattaphon has raised the border issue with Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha, and he has criticized Cambodia's protests on the international stage against Thailand. He also stated that Thai forces are authorized to act decisively if Cambodian incursions continue.
Thailand has rejected Cambodian claims that Thai authorities violated international human rights laws. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has, in turn, accused Cambodia of inciting its citizens, which could inflame tensions along the border.
It is worth noting that the new Thai cabinet has yet to finalize a detailed border strategy. However, the military is in charge of operations in Sa Kaeo under martial law, according to Mr. Anutin. Crowd control police and local officials, not troops, were deployed to control the situation.
Mr. Anutin has also dismissed speculation over plans to reopen border checkpoints soon. Additional anti-riot units may be deployed if necessary, as per the First Army Region's announcement. Cambodian protesters encroaching on Thai territory may face arrests, according to the First Army Region's statement.
In a positive development, a meeting is announced to take place on September 24 and 25 to make efforts to reduce tensions at the border and prevent further incidents. This meeting coincides with negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul to discuss a ceasefire and related measures. Let's hope that these efforts lead to a peaceful resolution of the border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia.
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