Bangkok: Academics have called on the government to take proactive measures in accordance with international principles concerning a recent shooting incident involving Cambodia. They urge the government to promptly reveal evidence of Cambodia’s actions to the global community to mitigate Cambodia’s aggressive posture. The academics emphasize that determining who fired first is less critical than establishing whether the shooting infringed upon Thai sovereignty. They advocate for negotiation channels rooted in strength, arguing that escalation is unlikely as Cambodia does not seek war but rather aims to provoke and capitalize on the situation.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Panithan Wattanayagorn, a political scientist, discussed the Thai-Cambodian border situation following Cambodia’s firing incident. He emphasized the need for Thailand to follow its strategic plans, such as evacuating residents from the area and establishing forces along the sovereignty line, known as the Chakrapong Bhuvanath Plan. This time, however, the plan must be more intensive due to the complex situation. Diplomatic and international political strategies should be employed through special communication channels with Cambodia to protect sovereignty without encroaching on Cambodian territory. Offensive defensive operations, including mine clearing and area closures, should be intensified, but actions must adhere to international principles and be clearly communicated to the international community.
Mr. Panithan addressed the Cambodian Ministry of Defense’s claim that Thailand initiated the fire, noting that the identity of the first shooter is less important than the location of the incident. He highlighted that Thailand’s defensive deployment follows international rules and does not involve seizing high ground or laying mines in Cambodia. Conversely, Cambodia’s actions, such as attacking Thai communities and cyber operations, are aggressive and rely on international community support, which Thailand can leverage to block Cambodia’s stance.
Thailand’s response aligns with strategic plans but may be perceived as slow, leading to ambiguous signals to Cambodia. Mr. Panithan stressed the importance of diplomacy and negotiation through ASEAN channels to prevent being viewed as aggressive. Many countries understand Cambodia’s actions, and Thailand can use this understanding to diplomatically isolate Cambodia.
Regarding injuries from Cambodian shelling, Mr. Panithan expressed regret and emphasized the need to prevent further losses by evacuating residents and intercepting weapons. He called for international assistance in pressuring Cambodia to reduce weapon launches that violate international agreements and ASEAN rules.
Mr. Panithan suggested that resolving border issues requires dialogue, though immediate action is challenging. Strengthening sovereignty, ensuring safety, and initiating political and diplomatic negotiations are crucial. Any actions should be based on Thailand’s strength and clear decisions. He highlighted the need for a special negotiation team, similar to mediators used in other conflicts, to facilitate dialogue.
Regarding potential escalation, Mr. Panithan stated that Thailand must adhere to military and diplomatic agreements to prevent escalation. If Cambodia invades, Thailand must be prepared for battle, though he believes Cambodia’s intention is provocation rather than war. Contingency plans must be in place, and careful diplomatic engagement is essential.
On the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ efforts to inform international ambassadors about the situation, Mr. Panithan criticized the approach of merely inviting ambassadors, arguing for direct communication with foreign leaders. He noted that many invited ambassadors did not attend, indicating weak signals. More robust diplomatic efforts are required to effectively convey Thailand’s position to the global community.