Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra issued a strong statement emphasising that Thailand will not tolerate threats, accusations and disrespectful treatment in the ongoing territorial dispute with Cambodia. The statement came in response to reports that Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen had allegedly threatened to close all border crossings with Thailand in retaliation if the previous opening hours of the checkpoints were not restored.
The statement was made after a meeting with security officials at the prime minister’s official residence in Bangkok on Monday. The meeting was a follow-up to a meeting of the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Border Commission held in Phnom Penh over the weekend.
“Thailand is united. We will not tolerate disrespectful treatment, accusations or threats from any party. Our country has dignity. Our country is strong,” said Paetongtarn Shinawatra, backing up her words with gestures.
The reason for such a sharp reaction was information about the possible closure of the border by the Cambodian side to Thai goods if Thailand does not restore the previous regime of border crossings within 24 hours. Journalists also asked the prime minister’s opinion on a possible information campaign that Cambodia could launch against Thailand.
“Such communication is not beneficial to either country. Information is often made public, even though both sides had previously agreed to wait for the final conclusions,” Paetongtarn Shinawatra replied. She also added that Cambodia should take into account the interests of both the Thai and Cambodian peoples.
According to the Thai prime minister, the statement about the possible closure of the border directly affects the interests of both countries, causing concern about trade and the supply of fruit and vegetables. Paetongtarn Shinawatra stressed that she considers Cambodia’s unprofessional statements to be harmful to both countries.
Border issue
She also explained that Thailand had not closed the border with Cambodia, but had only adjusted the schedule of border crossings due to the increased deployment of heavy weapons in the border area.
“There are people on both sides of the border. If the working hours had not been changed and an accident had occurred, the damage would have been great,” the prime minister explained.
To prevent further escalation of the situation, Paetongtarn Shinawatra proposed that the Cambodian side hold a meeting of representatives of the armed forces of both countries within the framework of the regional border committee to exchange views. She also emphasised that the Thai armed forces and government are united in their position on protecting the country’s sovereignty and are working to prevent clashes and casualties.
