(Bangkok, 2nd) As tensions continue along the Thai-Cambodian border, the Thai government has approved an emergency allocation of 864 million baht (about 34 million SGD) to strengthen national defense forces.
Prime Minister Anutin revealed to the media on Wednesday (October 1) that the cabinet had approved this funding at a meeting the previous day, but did not specify its exact use. He only emphasized that the budget would be used to strengthen armed forces and defend national sovereignty. Anutin also stated that further public information would be released after he chaired a meeting of the National Security Council.
In May, military forces of Thailand and Cambodia exchanged fire at the border, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier. Although a ceasefire agreement was reached in late July under the mediation of ASEAN chair country Malaysia, friction has continued. On September 27, the two sides again clashed in the disputed area.
According to the Nation newspaper, the Thai navy has built a 15-kilometer border road in Chanthaburi Province near Cambodia to enhance logistics and patrol capabilities, with about 4 kilometers yet to be completed.
At the same time, Anutin confirmed that the government plans to hold a national referendum on whether to abolish two memoranda of understanding on border and maritime rights signed with Cambodia. He stated that he personally supports abolition but needs to seek public opinion.
Deputy Prime Minister Phongsa revealed that the referendum would be combined with the constitutional amendment referendum and held concurrently with the general election to save costs and boost participation.
However, opposition People’s Party MP Rangsiman warned that if the memoranda of understanding were abolished, Cambodia might bring the case to the International Court of Justice, and international oil companies might also seek arbitration and claim compensation from the Thai government for losses due to the loss of oil and gas exploration concessions.
In May, military forces of Thailand and Cambodia exchanged fire at the border, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier. Although a ceasefire agreement was reached in late July under the mediation of ASEAN chair country Malaysia, friction has continued. On September 27, the two sides again clashed in the disputed area.
According to the Nation newspaper, the Thai navy has built a 15-kilometer border road in Chanthaburi Province near Cambodia to enhance logistics and patrol capabilities, with about 4 kilometers yet to be completed.
At the same time, Anutin confirmed that the government plans to hold a national referendum on whether to abolish two memoranda of understanding on border and maritime rights signed with Cambodia. He stated that he personally supports abolition but needs to seek public opinion.
Deputy Prime Minister Phongsa revealed that the referendum would be combined with the constitutional amendment referendum and held concurrently with the general election to save costs and boost participation.
However, opposition People’s Party MP Rangsiman warned that if the memoranda of understanding were abolished, Cambodia might bring the case to the International Court of Justice, and international oil companies might also seek arbitration and claim compensation from the Thai government for losses due to the loss of oil and gas exploration concessions.