Bangkok: Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, a Member of Parliament and leader of the People’s Party, has urged the Thai government to clearly define the end goal in the ongoing Thai-Cambodian border situation. He emphasized the importance of resolving the conflict without positioning Thailand as the aggressor, and suggested that pressure should be applied to Cambodia to encourage negotiations.
According to Thai News Agency, Nattapong expressed concern over the losses suffered by both civilians and military personnel due to the border conflict. He stressed the need for restoring peace and normalcy in the border provinces and cited Major General Nat Sri-in’s statement that negotiation is necessary to end the conflict. Nattapong called on Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Minister of Interior to outline a clear strategy for managing the situation.
Nattapong acknowledged the potential use of military force to counter Cambodia’s capabilities but insisted that any action must adhere to international principles and not cast Thailand as an aggressor. He advocated for comprehensive pressure on Cambodia through military and rhetorical means, targeting the core issues of the Hun Sen regime to bring them to the negotiating table.
The opposition leader also responded to the Prime Minister’s statement of no negotiations, warning that such a stance could provoke international concern. He emphasized the importance of demonstrating Thailand’s strength in resolving security threats while avoiding aggression. Nattapong expressed concern over the lack of clarity in the Prime Minister’s strategy and urged for a strategic military response in line with international standards.
Nattapong highlighted the need for caution in military operations, especially concerning the attack on a casino within a military area. He warned against giving the military unrestricted power, stressing that the Prime Minister bears ultimate responsibility for the situation’s outcome.
Addressing the possibility of resolving the dispute under the current government, Nattapong noted the long-standing nature of the border issue. While a swift resolution is ideal, he acknowledged the complexity of the situation, which requires bilateral discussions and complete border demarcation-a task unlikely to be completed within the current government’s term.
In response to Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen’s claim that the conflict is a ploy to boost the Bhumjaithai Party’s popularity, Nattapong refrained from drawing conclusions without full information. He noted that the conflict was initiated by Cambodia, possibly due to efforts to suppress scammers, and cautioned against overstepping international norms, which could undermine Thailand’s legitimacy.