BANGKOK, Thailand – Sonthi Limthongkul, Jatuporn Prompan, Veera Somkhamkhid, and Panthep Puapongpan, along with a network of patriotic citizens, submitted a letter to the Prime Minister urging the government to protect Thailand’s sovereignty and security amid ongoing border tensions with Cambodia.
The letter cites multiple incursions by Cambodian military and civilians into Thai territory, as well as Cambodian claims accusing Thailand of occupying Cambodian temples—areas that Thailand maintains are on its soil. Recently, the Thai government responded by reducing border checkpoint operating hours, which impacted income from casinos and reportedly pressured Cambodia to pull back its forces.
Sonthi emphasized that Cambodia’s withdrawal is merely tactical and not to be trusted, as Cambodia intends to bring the dispute before the International Court of Justice. Cambodia also relies on a unilateral French-made 1:200,000 scale map rather than natural watershed boundaries, causing a 200-meter discrepancy.
The patriotic network presented six demands to the Prime Minister and Cabinet:
- Officially reject the authority of the International Court of Justice and oppose Cambodia’s attempt to submit the case; instead, use bilateral negotiation mechanisms such as the Joint Border Committee (JBC).
- Formally protest internationally that Preah Vihear, Ta Muen Thom, Ta Muen Toht, Ta Kwai temples, and Sala Tri Mook are Thai territory.
- Direct the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to cancel the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which recognizes the disputed map made solely by France.
- Cancel the 2001 MOU concerning the continental shelf line that encroaches on Thai waters.
- In JBC negotiations, continue reducing Thai-Cambodian border checkpoint operating hours until Cambodia cracks down on cross-border crimes such as call center scams.
- Authorize the Thai military to declare martial law immediately if the situation worsens to protect sovereignty.
After submitting the letter, Sonthi and Jatuporn addressed supporters, insisting that Cambodia’s actions show bad faith, having violated agreements and intruded on Thai territory over 470 times in 25 years. They called on the government to implement the six demands, warning that if the government fails to act, more patriotic demonstrations will follow.
When asked if this issue might spark a broader movement to oust the government, Sonthi replied, “Let’s wait and see.” (TNA)
