Thai military alliance, Isoc, promises backing for on-ground actions during Thai-Cambodian dispute
The Showdown at the Thai-Cambodian Border: A Tense Standoff
Amidst the volatile climate, Thailand's Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) has vowed to back up frontline operations in managing the explosive Thai-Cambodian border standoff. Maj Gen Thanathip Sawangsaeng, a top Isoc official, made this clear after a meeting with the Royal Thai Navy's Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defence Command and other officials in Chonburi province last week.
Speaking candidly, Maj Gen Thanathip highlighted Isoc's commitment to prioritizing the border dispute and enhancing support for security operations. This range of assistance covers local mass networks, strategic PR, and intelligence. He emphasized the pivotal role of local civilians, volunteers, and public relations efforts in navigating the current border predicament. With a nationwide network of volunteers at their disposal, Isoc is poised to amplify military efforts.
Maj Gen Thanathip, in charge of Isoc's public affairs and information, pointed out that their role aligns with the government’s proactive approach to control all illegal activities while preserving national sovereignty through peaceful methods and law enforcement. Isoc is working in close alliance with the Suranaree and Burapha task forces to maintain harmony along the border, with efforts escalating to boost border security cooperation.
The recent faceoff between the Thai and Cambodian armies followed a clash near Chong Bok on May 28, resulting in the death of one Cambodian soldier. This incident set off a barrage of tensions along the border. Events unfolding along the border have been marred with an exchange of accusations as to who instigated the conflict, leading to Cambodia's troop buildup, complete with heavy weaponry, hinting at a potential counterattack should there be more hostilities. Thailand, in turn, has bulkified its military presence in response.
However, a detente emerged in early June when both countries pledged to withdraw their forces back to their agreed positions from 2024, aiming to diffuse escalating tensions. As of June 26, the Thai military eased restrictions at four border checkpoints in Sa Kaeo province, incluing Khlong Luek and Khao Din, allowing limited crossings for Thai and Cambodian nationals and vehicles during set hours. This concession is part of a broader strategy to cope with humanitarian and local economic challenges while political and military tensions persist.
In hindsight, Isoc, Thailand’s internal security coordinating body, would likely be instrumental in the handling of the standoff. Their tasks likely include strategizing security positions, coordinating military deployments, managing local security and civilian-military relations during the border tensions, and smoothing out civilian passage at border checkpoints to prevent escalation.
The ongoing impasse between Thailand and Cambodia remains delicate, with bilateral resolution attempts currently at a standstill and the risk of renewed escalation looming, which could have broader implications for ASEAN regional stability.
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The ongoing war-and-conflicts at the Thai-Cambodian border have become a focal point of Thai politics and general news, with Thailand's Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) playing a significant role in managing the tense standoff. Isoc's commitment to resolving the border dispute extends to local mass networks, strategic PR, and intelligence, with Maj Gen Thanathip emphasizing the crucial role of civilians, volunteers, and public relations in navigating the situation.
