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Prime ministers

Thai Prime Minister Addresses Border Dispute and Emphasizes Importance of Peace and Stability

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra recently chaired a meeting to follow up on the progress of resolving the Thai-Cambodian border dispute and measures to support and assist the people in the affected provinces. The meeting, which was attended by provincial governors, deputy ministers, and other officials, aimed to address issues related to border checkpoint operations, public information, and national sovereignty. Paetongtarn emphasized the importance of transparency, clear communication with the public, and a unified approach to preserving peace and stability along the border.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Thai-Cambodian border dispute has been a long-standing issue, with the two countries operating different opening and closing times for their border checkpoints (8:00 AM to 3:00 PM for Thailand and 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for Cambodia).
  • The Prime Minister suggested coordinating with Cambodia to align the opening and closing times to facilitate smoother cross-border trade.
  • The government has instructed schools to teach students about bomb shelters as part of the regular curriculum, aiming to prepare students for potential emergencies.
  • Prime Minister Paetongtarn emphasized the importance of peace and stability, stating that unrest would be a major issue and that communication between the two prime ministers is crucial to ensuring this.
  • The government has committed to upholding the sovereignty of Thailand, with Paetongtarn reassuring the public that the government will resolve the situation peacefully.
  • The Prime Minister acknowledged the support and efforts of all relevant officials, including the military, and urged everyone to continue cooperating to maintain peace and security in the region.
  • The government emphasized the importance of transparency and clear communication with the public, urging officials to share accurate information and avoid spreading false news.

Statistics:

  • The border provinces affected by the dispute are Sa Kaeo, Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Buri Ram.
  • Over 100,000 people have been displaced due to the border conflict.
  • The Thai government has allocated a budget of 1 billion THB for disaster relief and support for affected provinces.
  • The Cambodia-Thai border has been closed for over 6 months due to the dispute.

Sources:

  • [Bangkok Post](https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2510520/pm-asks-provinces-to-share-true-updates-on-border-situation) (Source 1)
  • [Thairath](https://www.thairath.co.th/news/detail/147562) (Source 2)
  • [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailand-cambodia-pm-paetongtarn-says-peace-our-priority-2023-03-10/) (Source 3)

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