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Government Leader Tasks Foreign Affairs Department with Managing Dialogue Regarding Territorial Conflicts

Thai Prime Minister, Paetongtarn, pledges no cession of Thai land to Cambodia; advocates national unity amid border discussions slated for next week, with Foreign Ministry taking charge of dialogue.

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Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn firmly promises that Thailand will not cede any territory to...
Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn firmly promises that Thailand will not cede any territory to Cambodia. As border negotiations start next week, the Foreign Ministry will spearhead communication efforts to promote national unity.

Title: Standing Firm on Thai Territory: PM Paetongtarn Assures No Concessions to Cambodia

Government Leader Tasks Foreign Affairs Department with Managing Dialogue Regarding Territorial Conflicts

In the face of mounting pressure, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra took a firm stand Wednesday, guaranteeing not an inch of Thai soil would be handed over to Cambodia. As border discussions are set to commence next week, the premier appealed for unity and patience.

Calm is Needed Over the Chong Bok Dispute

During the weekly Cabinet meeting, Paetongtarn underlined that the border quandary would be resolved peacefully using established mechanisms, such as the Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) and the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU 43) concerning overlapping claims. The government spokesman, Jirayu Houngsub, confirmed these instructions [1].

The Ministry of Defence, the Royal Thai Army, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been instructed to maintain a close watch on the situation and collaborate in their actions. The dispute, which reignited at the Chong Bok pass in Ubon Ratchathani's Nam Yuen district on May 28, involved Thai and Cambodian troops challenging each other over territory deemed Thai [2].

Escalating Cambodian Claims, Measured Thai Response

While Thailand has opted for restraint, Cambodian leaders, including Prime Minister Hun Manet and former Prime Minister Hun Sen, have publicly declared Cambodia's claim over the so-called Emerald Triangle. They've even threatened to bring the matter before the International Court of Justice, heightening the pressure on the Thai government [5].

Support for National Unity

"This is not a political issue; it's a matter of national interest," the prime minister said in a public address. "We all, Thais across the spectrum, must unite to defend our sovereignty." She encouraged media and influential figures to foster unity instead of division, emphasizing the strength of Thai unity during international disputes [3].

Prime Minister's Key Directives

According to Jirayu, Paetongtarn issued the following directives during the Cabinet meeting:

  • The Foreign Ministry will lead press statements on border updates, collaborating with the Defence Ministry, armed forces, and relevant agencies to ensure accurate communication [1].
  • Security agencies and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society are to monitor and counter disinformation that could fuel tensions, working with social media platforms and the public to discourage hate speech and conflict incitement [1].
  • The Cabinet extended moral support to soldiers guarding the border, urging them to remain patient and act in the national interest while the government works to resolve the issue swiftly [1].

Ensuring Peace and Preparedness

Paetongtarn assured the public that Thailand remains a peaceful nation but is prepared to protect its people. While prioritizing diplomacy, the military is ready should hostilities break out [3].

Sources:

[1] Prachatai. Thai government spokesman releases PM's statement on border issue

[2] Nation Thailand. Thai and Cambodian forces face off, Cambodia accused of digging trenches on Thai land

[3] Coconuts Bangkok. Paetongtarn: 'We must remain united' as Thailand and Cambodia face increasing pressure

[4] Khaosod English. Thailand Grants Military Control Over Border Checkpoints with Cambodia amid Escalating Tensions

[5] ASEAN Today. Cambodia's New Leaders Intensify Threats Against Thailand to Take Emerald Triangle at the International Court of Justice

  1. "The Prime Minister emphasized that the ongoing border dispute with Cambodia is not a political issue but a matter of national interest, encouraging unity among all Thais."
  2. "During the weekly Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister instructed the Foreign Ministry to lead press statements on border updates, collaborating with the Defence Ministry, armed forces, and relevant agencies for accurate communication."
  3. "As the dispute over the Chong Bok pass intensifies, both Thailand and Cambodia are employing different strategies, with the Thai government taking a measured approach while Cambodian leaders have publicly escalated their claims and threatened to bring the matter before the International Court of Justice."
  4. "In a bid to maintain national peace and be prepared for any potential escalation, the Prime Minister assured the public that Thailand remains a peaceful nation but is ready to protect its people, prioritizing diplomacy while keeping the military ready for action."

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