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International conflict escalation deemed a desperate measure

Thailand's border conflict with Cambodia should remain a last option, according to Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. He made this statement on Tuesday, reiterating Thailand's commitment to resolving the dispute through peaceful means.

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Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, stated on Tuesday that war should only be a...
Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, stated on Tuesday that war should only be a last resort in their ongoing border conflict with Cambodia. He emphasized Thailand's commitment to resolving the issue through peaceful means instead.

International conflict escalation deemed a desperate measure

Thailand-Cambodia's Border Dispute: A Call for Peaceful Resolution

In the ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, has urged for peace as the preferred solution, emphasizing that war should be the last resort.

Speaking on Tuesday, Mr. Phumtham, who also holds the defense portfolio, underlined the importance of eschewing violence while safeguarding national sovereignty. His remarks come amidst Cambodia's endeavor to bring the border dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and Thailand's efforts to advance negotiations via the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Committee (JBC).

"Avoidance of violence, while ensuring our sovereignty, is crucial," Mr. Phumtham stated, reinforcing the nation's commitment to resolving the conflict peacefully.

The Royal Thai Army, Ministry of Defence, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs are reportedly working in close coordination to reach a peaceful resolution. Although prepared to defend the country, the military is presently on standby and no official orders to close any border crossings have been issued.

As rumors swirl about a disagreement between the government and the army regarding border closure, Mr. Phumtham dismissed such claims. Preparations for potential border closures, he asserted, necessitate consensus among the army, the Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Regarding Cambodia's intention to bring the Emerald Triangle dispute to the ICJ, Mr. Phumtham expressed the view that negotiations should be rooted in facts rather than emotions. The Emerald Triangle refers to the border area connecting Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province, Cambodia's Preah Vihear province, and Laos' Champassak province.

Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry has instructed provinces along the Cambodian border to prepare for possible violence. In Ubon Ratchathani, evacuation plans are being formulated should violence erupt, with similar preparations being made in districts further from the border.

The latest clash between Thai and Cambodian soldiers took place on May 28, near the Chong Bok border area, marking a deadly escalation in the longstanding dispute. This incident followed previous disputes over several border areas, including the Preah Vihear temple, where the ICJ has previously ruled in favor of Cambodia[1][3].

Amidst these tensions, both countries are exploring diplomatic dialogue and international legal processes to address the disputes peacefully. With hope of avoiding further escalation, Thailand's military remains ready to defend the nation, while negotiations continue through bilateral mechanisms[1][2].

**Enrichment Data:**

  • Background and Escalation: The current dispute escalated with a deadly clash on May 28, near the Chong Bok border area in Ubon Ratchathani province. This incident followed long-standing disputes over several border areas, including the Preah Vihear temple, where the ICJ has previously ruled in favor of Cambodia[1][3].
  • Current Efforts:
  • Military Readiness: Thailand's military is ready to defend the country's sovereignty but is also committed to avoiding escalation unless necessary. The Thai government emphasizes peaceful resolution through bilateral mechanisms[1][2].
  • Bilateral Mechanisms: Both countries are using existing bilateral mechanisms, such as the Joint Boundary Committee, to address the disputes. The committee is set to meet in Cambodia on June 14[2].
  • ICJ Involvement: Cambodia plans to seek a ruling from the ICJ on several disputed border areas, including the Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, and Ta Kro Bei temples. Thailand has expressed reluctance to recognize the ICJ’s jurisdiction but is open to discussions[3][4].
  • Conflict Resolution Strategies:
  • Diplomatic Dialogue: Both governments are engaging in diplomatic discussions at various levels to restore normalcy and address the disputes peacefully[2].
  • Avoiding Escalation: There is a mutual understanding to avoid further confrontations and violence, with both sides reserving the right to defend their sovereignty[3].

"Given the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border dispute and its potential link to war-and-conflicts, politics play a significant role in finding a peaceful resolution, as demonstrated by Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, emphasizing the importance of avoiding violence while safeguarding national sovereignty."

"In the context of the general news surrounding Thailand-Cambodia's border dispute, both nations are subsequently engaged in politics and diplomacy, with efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully via bilateral mechanisms such as the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) and international legal processes, such as potential ICJ involvement."

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