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Foreign ministers

Thailand Imposes Border Control Measures Amid Ongoing Tensions with Cambodia

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Tensions between Thai and Cambodian troops along the border have sparked a call for restraint and peaceful resolution. Thailand's Foreign Ministry, led by Director-General Nikorndej Balankura, has stated that the country will protect its sovereignty while urging Cambodia to reduce tensions. The two nations have consistently agreed to resolve the issue peacefully through existing bilateral mechanisms, but recent developments have led to a tightening of border control measures to preserve security and public safety.

Key Takeaways:

  • Thailand has decided to regulate the opening and closing of border crossing points with Cambodia in accordance with the National Security Council (NSC) meeting resolution on June 6.
  • The measures will be implemented by the 1st and 2nd Army Regions, along with the border command of Chanthaburi and Trat, to determine appropriate measures, criteria, procedures, and timeframes necessary for crossing at all border points along the Thai-Cambodian frontier.
  • The strictness of these measures will correspond to the severity of the situation and Cambodia's cooperation in resolving the issue.
  • Thailand's primary objective is to protect the safety of both Thai and Cambodian citizens in the border regions.
  • The Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Committee meeting on June 14 and other existing bilateral mechanisms will be employed to achieve a peaceful resolution founded on mutual respect and sincerity.
  • The Royal Thai Army has authorized local units to enforce border control measures through a four-step approach: restriction of individuals, time regulation, closure of unnecessary crossings, and complete border closure.

Statistics:

  • There are numerous border crossings along the Thai-Cambodian frontier, and each area operates differently based on specific conditions and data.
  • Verification of the number of border points that have already been closed must be conducted at the local level.
  • The enforcement of border control measures, including the progression through the four-step framework, will be determined by operational units, local authorities, and the Royal Thai Police.

Sources:

  • Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of the Foreign Ministry's Department of Information
  • Col Dr Dangjai Souvannakitti, Defence Ministry spokeswoman
  • Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, Royal Thai Army spokesman

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