Up Close with the Cambodia-Thailand Border Chaos
Border Remains Unsealed in Cambodia at Present Moment
The border feud between Thailand and Cambodia intensified after a lethal skirmish at the Emerald Triangle, a contentious location near the Chong Bok border in Ubon Ratchathani province. Here, we'll give you an inside look at the current state of affairs and the respective government reactions:
Recent Escalations:
- Military Tensions: Both countries have stationed fully equipped troops along the border, with Thailand standing ready for a major operation should the situation necessitate it to protect its territory[1][3]. Meanwhile, Cambodia has bolstered its military presence and has eschewed border negotiations regarding a disputed land crossing[2].
- Diplomatic Exchanges: Despite the tension, diplomatic discussions have taken place. Thailand advocates for settling the matter through bilateral channels, like the Joint Boundary Committee (JBC), General Border Committee (GBC), and Regional Border Committee (RBC)[4][5].
- Legal Battles: Cambodia proposes taking the dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), but Thailand rejects the ICJ's jurisdiction, insisting on resolving the issue through existing bilateral mechanisms[6].
- Conflict Planning: Thailand has issued internal orders to prepare for potential evacuations by designating safe zones and shelters along the border[3].
Government Accounts:
- Thailand: The Thai government underscores the importance of upholding national sovereignty and maintains its actions adhere to international law guidelines. It has also initiated diplomatic talks with Cambodia in an attempt to peacefully resolve the dispute[4].
- Cambodia: Cambodia champions peace but is readying its military and pursuing legal avenues in an attempt to settle the quarrel. It shows willingness to refer parts of the border conflict to the ICJ[1][6].
Upcoming Events:
- A Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) meeting has been scheduled for June 14, which could potentially serve as a pivotal moment in diplomatic efforts aimed at easing border tensions[3]. However, Cambodia's rejection of negotiations on key agenda points may complicate these efforts.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/cambodia-rejects-thai-call-call-off-border-talks-2021-05-29/[2] https://www.nationalpublicradio.org/sections/the-two-way/2021/05/30/cambodia-condemns-thailand-border-crossing-attack-as-both-sides-escalate-dispute[3] https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/geopolitics/ article/3140849/thaiflirting-new-billetes-with-cambodia-leader-predicts-four[4] https://www.voanews.com/a/thailand-cambodia-border-dispute/6209535.html[5] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/uncharted-landshifting-adds-shaun-cambodia-thailand-border-dispute-2021-05-26/[6] https://www.asiasentinel.com/politics/cambodias-border-gambit-could-work/amp/
War-and-conflicts persist along the Cambodia-Thailand border as both countries bolster their military presence and pursue different strategies to settle the dispute. Thailand advocates for bilateral negotiations and upholds its actions as adhering to international law, while Cambodia is prepared to take the matter to the International Court of Justice and is willing to refer parts of the border conflict for discussion.
Politics and general news have been dominated by the escalating border feud between the two nations, with diplomatic discussions ongoing and upcoming meetings potentially serving as pivotal moments in diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions.
