Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has urged the government to tread carefully in its plan to hold a referendum on scrapping the 2000 and 2001 memoranda of understandings (MoUs) on border demarcation with Cambodia, warning that Phnom Penh could gain access to sensitive Thai information during the process.
Mr Abhisit, leader of the Democrat Party, said the military has been performing its duties well along the border and enjoys strong public support.
However, security problems cannot be resolved by the armed forces alone and must go hand in hand with diplomacy, foreign policy, and confidence-building with neighbouring countries, he said.
Mr Abhisit said the current government’s approach on the MoU issue and the proposed referendum is extremely delicate and difficult for the public to fully grasp, while sharing information with voters could inadvertently expose Thailand’s positions to Cambodia.
If the government insists on proceeding, he said, it must clearly present the options and strategy in case the MoUs are revoked.
“People need to know not only what happens if we cancel them, but also what our plan will be afterwards,” he said.
Mr Abhisit recalled having a private conversation with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul during a lunch meeting, during which he advised the premier to pursue a more assertive diplomatic stance.
“I told him we need to be cautious because Cambodia uses every international stage to push its narrative. We should engage more actively,” Mr Abhisit said.
“A proactive stance will make the military’s job easier. If we only respond defensively, the armed forces will face limits imposed by diplomatic pressure,” he said.
“The best way forward now is to be proactive, as Thailand’s standing in the international community allows us to play a greater role.”
Meanwhile, in Sa Kaeo, the 1st Army Region reported discovering six additional landmines in areas near Ban Nong Yakaeo and Ban Nong Chan villages. The findings bring the total to 11 anti-personnel mines uncovered since Oct 10.
First Army commander Lt Gen Worayos Lueangsuwan visited the border areas on Monday to oversee demining progress and hand over parts of Ban Nong Yakaeo that have been declared 100% safe.
He will then travel to Chanthaburi for a boundary commission meeting on Tuesday.