BANGKOK, Thailand – Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has downplayed the recent military skirmish at the Thai-Cambodian border, characterizing it as a minor misunderstanding among junior soldiers and suggesting a novel approach: turning the disputed area into a “no man’s land” and replacing tension with friendly sport.
Speaking to reporters at the 25th anniversary celebration of Nation TV, Thaksin addressed the brief but alarming clash between Thai and Cambodian troops near Chong Bok, a remote land border crossing in Ubon Ratchathani province. The incident occurred on May 28 and led to temporary escalation on both sides.
“I believe the issue has been resolved already,” said Thaksin. “Senior officials from both countries have a good relationship and communicate effectively, including at the military level.”
He described the incident as a result of unclear demarcation and low-level miscommunication, not reflective of the overall diplomatic rapport between the two nations.
“This is the kind of local conflict that happens when borders aren’t clearly defined,” he explained. “In fact, most countries take hundreds or even thousands of years to fully settle their borders. Sometimes, the best thing to do is to step back and create a no man’s land. If no one stays there, no one gets provoked.”
Thaksin, who maintains regular communication with Cambodian Senate President and former Prime Minister Hun Sen, added that the two sides have no interest in escalating the situation.
“I talk with Hun Sen all the time,” he said. “Both governments are constantly in touch. There’s no need to fuel the fire.”
He then lightheartedly suggested that soldiers in disputed areas could resolve tensions in a more constructive way:
“Instead of shooting, let them play sepak takraw together in the evening. That should settle it.”
Asked about Hun Sen’s earlier declaration to send additional Cambodian forces to the area, Thaksin responded confidently:
“There’s nothing to worry about anymore. All troops have pulled back.”
When questioned about discrepancies between Cambodian and Thai statements—particularly a recent Cambodian press release that contradicted a three-point Thai military statement—Thaksin brushed off concerns.
“That’s normal. Sometimes statements come from different people at different times,” he said. “The key is that both sides are trying not to escalate things and are working to explain to their citizens that we are neighboring countries with good relations. There’s no reason for ongoing conflict.”
Reporters also asked Thaksin about the reference to the long-standing Preah Vihear Temple dispute, which Cambodian authorities cited in recent statements. Thaksin simply replied:
“I haven’t read that yet.”
The Thai-Cambodian border, particularly near historical sites like Preah Vihear and in remote jungle regions, has long been the subject of overlapping claims and occasional flare-ups. While major violence has been rare in recent years, smaller-scale incidents involving patrols and local forces still occur.
Efforts at official demarcation have often been hampered by politics, nationalism, and historical grievances dating back to colonial-era maps. Both governments have periodically agreed to peaceful management of disputed zones, but progress has been inconsistent.
Thaksin’s comments, while optimistic, highlight a broader challenge: maintaining peace in areas where maps are contested, local pride runs high, and communication among ground forces may lag behind diplomatic channels.
