Surakiart calls for more forward-thinking approach [with Cambodia]

Writer: Amornrat Mahitthirook and King-Oua Laohong
Published: 9/02/2011
Bangkok Post

Former foreign minister Surakiart Sathirathai is calling on the government to increase its diplomatic efforts to end the border conflict with Cambodia and to be more forward-thinking in its political strategies.

Mr Surakiart said yesterday the government must try to understand Cambodia's plan and anticipate its moves in order to take pre-emptive action.

"We need to have a firm grasp of what Cambodia thinks and how they will move so we can plan every possible course of action," he said.

The former minister in the Thaksin government said the government must send envoys to explain its position to the leaders of other Asean states and the UN Security Council. It also should try to restart bilateral peace talks with Cambodia.

Thai authorities are handling the border dispute on two fronts, he said.

The military is doing its duty of protecting the country's sovereignty and it needs full support, while the government, through the Foreign Affairs Ministry, is attempting to renew bilateral peace talks with Cambodia.

Mr Surakiart said it was time the leaders of the two countries met for talks to find a solution.

He also said the situation might require special mechanisms and informal negotiations. People who have cordial ties with Cambodian authorities must be called in to broker talks.

The government also must ensure that the conflict is not taken to the United Nations or international tribunals such as the International Court of Justice.

Although these bodies' rulings are not legally binding, they will impact on international relations, he said.

Phummarat Thaksadipong, a former director of the National Intelligence Agency, said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen wanted to exploit the border row for political gain.

The Cambodian premier wants to deflect attention from Cambodia's internal problems, such as its severe economic difficulties and, more importantly, the loss of vast areas of its northeastern territory to Vietnam, he said.

Mr Phummarat added that the Thai government had not made preparations to deal with critical border situations, whereas Cambodia had spent a long time thoroughly working out plans to achieve its aims.

He did not think it was possible for the United Nations to intervene in the border dispute at Cambodia's request unless the conflict escalated into a large-scale war. The clashes along the border were still limited and had no impact on peace in the wider region.

Second Army chief Thawatchai Samutsakhon brushed aside calls for intervention by the UN.

"There is no need for the UN to step in to help," he said.

"The UN is overloaded with work."

Lt Gen Thawatchai yesterday visited residents who had fled their villages to escape fighting in Kantharalak district.

He said he had met senior Cambodian authorities for talks on easing tensions.He also confirmed there would be no more fighting between Thai and Cambodian troops.