Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the government has a plan to deal with the conflict with Cambodia, before warning that any intrusion into the kingdom’s sovereign territory will be met with firm action.
Speaking at a seminar jointly organised by the Medical Council of Thailand and the Mahitala Dhibesra Institute on Sunday, Mr Anutin said: ‘As the government, I ask everyone in Thailand to remain calm about the situation with Cambodia. We will not be at a disadvantage.
“Some have asked why the government has been so quiet. Sir, would you go to war and announce your battle plans? You cannot tell them in advance that you will negotiate or take certain actions – the moment you do, they will counter it over there.
“Be assured: no government will allow our country to be placed at a disadvantage by a neighbouring state or by any country with which we have a dispute. We must protect our national interests,” he said.
“Some say Thailand is doing nothing and is allowing the other side to act unilaterally. Let me make it clear: there have been no shots fired into our territory, no invasions, no provocations along our border. Why? Because our message reached them: if they come, we will respond decisively. They know that and have thought better of it.
“But I cannot stand here and say, ‘If they come we will send this force’ – that is impossible. We will not disclose our plans and allow others to prepare,” he said.
The government will expel any intruders in Thai territory, but in disputed areas, its actions must follow international procedures, with discussions and negotiations determining the scope of intervention, the prime minister said.
Separately, Nikorndej Balankura, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) special session in Chanthaburi on Oct 20-21 will focus on two key issues, namely Cambodian encroachment in Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaeo in Sa Kaeo, and Thailand’s plan to build a fence along agreed border markers.