Thai Advisor Promotes Strategic Dialogue for Pivotal Discussions on Shared Borders with Cambodia
As Thailand prepares to begin the General Border Committee (GBC) meetings on August 4, Associate Professor Dr Panitan Wattanayagorn has offered some strategic advice. The expert, who specialises in security and foreign affairs, suggests that Thailand establish a specialised communication team to counter potential misinformation from Cambodia during the negotiations.
Dr Panitan also stresses the importance of close coordination with Malaysia, the host nation, to manage the negotiation dynamics and media messaging effectively. He recommends engaging with both the US and China diplomatically to maintain neutrality and prevent major power interference.
To reinforce credibility on Thailand’s handling of the border dispute, Dr Panitan proposes using transparency measures such as site visits by international observers and media. Key recommended strategies include setting up a dedicated media team to handle strategic communication, collaborating closely with Malaysia, and engaging with both the US and China diplomatically.
These measures form part of a broader government strategy, including rapid detection and response to fake news. The Digital Economy and Society Ministry is working to curtail misinformation via technology and platform cooperation. Thailand has also raised the fake news issue in ASEAN forums and insists on factual, peaceful conflict resolution.
The upcoming GBC meetings aim to establish clearer ceasefire frameworks. Cambodia has requested Chinese and American observers to participate in the meetings, a move that could potentially accelerate conflict resolution. However, Dr Panitan has expressed concerns about unidentified drones entering Thai airspace, potentially linked to major powers seeking to interfere in regional conflicts. He also expresses concern about limited participation from major powers, particularly the small number of ambassadors from the US and China who have visited the affected areas.
The meetings will include smaller committee sessions from August 4 to 6, followed by full committee meetings on August 7. The meetings are significant, given the potential involvement of Chinese and American observers, which could cause discomfort among various parties. Dr Panitan advises Thailand to maintain a firm stance and clear communication during the meetings to ensure a balanced regional position.
The Japanese Ambassador's participation in site visits is significant given Japan's continued support for Cambodia. Thailand must establish a specialised communication team to counter potentially misleading statements from Cambodia during the negotiations. By following these recommendations, Thailand can navigate the complex regional dynamics while managing bilateral border disputes with Cambodia under international scrutiny.
- Given the potential involvement of Chinese and American observers in the upcoming GBC meetings, it's crucial for Thailand to maintain a firm stance and clear communication during the negotiations, as advised by Dr Panitan, to ensure a balanced regional position.
- To help counter potentially misleading statements from Cambodia during the negotiations, Thailand should establish a specialised communication team, as advised by Dr Panitan, in addition to setting up a dedicated media team and collaborating closely with Malaysia.
