Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has apologised for suggesting that ‘Thailand has also encroached upon Cambodia,’ admitting shortcomings in communication and pledging that such a mistake will not happen again.
He added that any decision by the government to reopen border checkpoints would be made only after consulting the public. Mr Anutin said Thailand would use every available measure from security operations to diplomatic dialogue, including the General Border Committee (GBC), the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), and the Regional Border Committee (RBC) to ensure peace and stability along the border.
‘With regard to my comment about border incursions, I sincerely apologise to all Thai people,’ he said. ‘I blame myself for my mistake and for failing to communicate clearly. I will be more careful to prevent any future errors.
‘I apologise for causing concern and misunderstanding. I would like to assure everyone that there is no possibility that Thailand will lose any territory, sovereignty, honour, or dignity.
‘The safety of all Thai citizens will be fully protected amid any disputes between the two countries. I will not allow any further losses under any circumstances,’ he said on Saturday night upon his return to Thailand after attending the 32nd Apec Summit in Korea.
Mr Anutin gave a media interview during the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where he said: ‘There are areas where Cambodia has encroached upon us, and we must also acknowledge that there are areas where Thailand has encroached upon their territory.’
Thais have criticised him for suggesting Thais were equally to blame for the border stand-off. Asked about the prospect of reopening border checkpoints, and whether he had discussed the matter with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Mr Anutin replied there had been no talks.
He said the Thai government would only consider reopening border checkpoints after consulting the public. ‘This should settle the matter once and for all.’
He also said he had never heard of the military going out to solicit donations for military equipment, pointing out that defence is among the biggest items in the budget.
On Saturday, Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, the army’s spokesman, said the army is not lacking in basic necessities, following public debate over recent donations sent to soldiers along the Thai-Cambodian border. He was speaking after attending a meeting of the House committee on military affairs.
The phrase ‘the army is not lacking’ referred specifically to essential military equipment and basic supplies. It did not mean the army was disregarding acts of generosity from the public or other sectors, he said.