Second Army Region of Thailand voices apprehensions after discussions with JBC
Firing Off a Load of Questions:
Thailand's 2nd Army Region deputy commander, Maj Gen Nutt Sri-in, has taken to Facebook to publicly question the legitimacy of recent Thai-Cambodian border discussions, expressing his doubts following a JBC meeting last weekend. Here are his five major concerns:
- Is the joint collaboration between Thailand and Cambodia aimed at resolving border disputes and fostering a stronger relationship, mutually promoting cooperation, and boosting dialogue between their peoples a genuine intention?
- Does the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), established in 1997 to manage negotiations, surveys, and land demarcation, represent internationally recognized standards and mirror the practices of intellectually advanced countries?
- Does the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU43), signed by both governments in 2000 to outline survey and demarcation procedures, mean the development of updated boundary maps and markers based on mutually recognized treaties and conventions, primarily driven by watershed lines?
- Since the inception of MOU43, Cambodia has repeatedly violated agreements by constructing casinos, buildings, and other structures, clearing roads, and farming in the border zone. Thailand has voiced protests, but to no avail. Additionally, the recent Tri Muk pavilion burning and trench excavation incidents have infringed upon Thailand's sovereignty, with Cambodia refusing to withdraw its forces despite negotiations, leading to skirmishes only upon intense pressure. Is it fair to consider this conduct from a neighboring country as diplomatic?
- If both nations are dedicated to resolving disputes peacefully through dialogue, why has Cambodia presented the issue before the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?
In essence, Maj Gen Nutt Sri-in's concerns revolve around Cambodia's adherence to established bilateral mechanisms for addressing border disputes rather than internationalizing the issue. He raises questions about the genuine intentions of both countries and Cambodia's breach of agreements, repeatedly violating the MOU43 and behaving in a manner that fosters hostility instead of cooperation.
- The ongoing international discussions about business relations between Thailand and Cambodia should consider the impact on the environment, as the border disputes might disrupt wildlife habitats and natural resources.
- The escalating war-and-conflicts along their shared border could negatively influence the economy of both countries by reducing travel and tourism, thus affecting the health and livelihood of their people.
- Recently, political tensions between the two nations have been dominating general news worldwide, raising questions about the stability of the region and the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts to resolve war-and-conflicts peacefully.
- Meanwhile, the international community should be concerned with the breach of agreements and disregard for established mechanisms by Cambodia, which could potentially set a dangerous precedent for other international business negotiations and border disputes.