BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Defense Minister Gen. Natthaphon Nakpanich credited the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee (GBC) talks with achieving meaningful initial progress, while reaffirming Thailand’s firm stance on demining efforts along the shared border.
Speaking after the GBC meeting, Gen. Natthaphon praised the negotiating team for securing agreement on 13 key bilateral points and thanked the residents of the four Thai border provinces for their patience during the tense situation. He said the GBC talks had progressed without external interference, with ASEAN, the U.S., and China acting only as observers.
However, he noted that Cambodia continues to reject proposals related to landmine clearance and cross-border scammer suppression. “Demining will remain on the agenda until Cambodia agrees,” he said, acknowledging Cambodia’s hesitance stems from using mines as a defensive measure.
To manage the complex legal and operational aspects of the situation, Gen. Natthaphon announced plans to form a personal advisory team comprising legal, military, and historical experts, including secretaries-general of key national agencies. He also confirmed that no foreign troops would be deployed, with ASEAN military attachés acting only as temporary observers.
As a next step, regional border mechanisms (RBC) will monitor implementation, with follow-ups expected in upcoming Thai-Cambodian Joint Border Commission (JBC) meetings. In the meantime, the Thai side will continue humanitarian efforts, including coordinating the safe return of evacuees once demining in affected areas is complete.
Gen. Natthaphon urged affected residents and business operators in Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat provinces to remain patient, stressing the government’s commitment to restoring safety and reopening the border gradually. (TNA)
