Latest news with #2ndArmyRegion
The Star
13 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Thai-Cambodian border remains calm, confirms 2nd Army Region chief
BANGKOK: The chief of the 2nd Army Region, Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, confirmed on Saturday (June 21) that the Thai-Cambodian border remains peaceful, with no incidents of violence. He also stated that political matters have not impacted military operations, with each side continuing to perform their respective duties. Boonsin made these remarks after presiding over a ceremony at Wat Sawang Suwannaram in Nakhon Phanom province, where a 29-inch bronze Buddha statue, valued at over 190,000 baht, was offered. The ceremony included a procession around the ordination hall followed by a religious ritual to place the statue inside the sacred Phra That Saeng Nakhon, a religious monument in Mueang Nakhon Phanom district. Chao Khun Phet Phraratchasiriwat, the abbot of the temple, led the religious ceremony, and the public gathered to offer flowers in support. - Photo: The Nation/ANN Regarding the situation on the border, Boonsin confirmed that the area remains calm with no significant military movements. He stated that ongoing communication and coordination between the Thai and Cambodian armed forces continue, with Cambodia respecting its border and no incursions into Thai territory. The heightened tensions, he explained, are more related to domestic political issues in Thailand rather than any military conflict. Boonsin emphasised that the Thai military remains focused on safeguarding the country's sovereignty and security. He reassured the public that political movements within the country have not affected the military's responsibilities in border security. He also noted that concerns over potential clashes are primarily dependent on the policies of the Cambodian government. Regarding a recent incident involving a group of Cambodians singing at Ta Krabei Temple in Surin, Boonsin stated that the Thai military has coordinated with Cambodian authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future. He indicated that the situation was more politically motivated than related to military conflict. The military chief assured the public that the Thai army remains committed to defending the nation's sovereignty and urged people to rely on credible news sources for information. "The military confirms that it will perform its duties with the utmost dedication to the nation, religion, monarchy, and the people. "As for the misunderstanding regarding the prime minister and the military leadership, it has been clarified and apologised for, with no impact on the military's work," Boonsin concluded. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
Thai defence minister dodges question on blacklisting Hun Sen, urges unity and political stability
BANGKOK: Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai (pic) on Friday (June 20) addressed the recent developments within the coalition government following the release of a leaked audio clip between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Hun Sen, former Prime Minister and President of the Cambodian Senate. Phumtham stated that the PM will coordinate and discuss the issue, as she is both the party leader and head of government. He explained that the current situation, with the political tensions caused by the leaked audio, is not something that would result in the PM's resignation or a dissolution of the government at this time. 'The government has not resigned or been dissolved. As such, the focus is now on adjusting the Cabinet. The Prime Minister's office will remain in place, with only Bhumjaithai leaving the coalition. Other parties will continue to work together as we adjust our efforts accordingly,' Phumtham said. When asked about the political parties' ongoing support for Paetongtarn, he responded: 'Yes, they continue to support her.' He also affirmed his confidence in the remaining coalition parties, saying that they are still committed. On the issue of the call for Paetongtarn to resign, Phumtham mentioned: 'I believe those involved have already spoken with the Prime Minister, and there is no issue. Everyone has heard the clip and understands there's no real problem. It's a diplomatic negotiation technique. There's always a push and pull in diplomacy. "If you listen to the audio, there's nothing wrong with it. It was simply a conversation, and there's no indication of anything that would warrant legal charges or create any issues. I've already spoken with the Commander of the 2nd Army Region, and there are no problems, so everyone can feel at ease.' - The Nation/ANN
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Thai Defence Minister dismisses calls for House dissolution following leaked audio
BANGKOK: The leaked audio clip between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen will not lead to the dissolution of the House or a coup, Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said on Wednesday (June 18). He stated that the Thai Prime Minister had communicated and clarified the matter with the Commander of the 2nd Army Region and had received confirmation from the Commander that he understood the situation well and had no further questions or concerns. 'If the media or the public still have doubts about this matter, they may directly ask the Commander of the 2nd Army Region for clarification to prevent any misunderstandings,' he added. Phumtham emphasised that the commanders of the other army regions were not involved in this issue, saying there was no misunderstanding. Phumtham firmly rejected calls from Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, Secretary-General of the Progressive Movement, for the Prime Minister to resign and dissolve the House in response to the public backlash over the leaked audio clip. 'There is no reason to dissolve the House, and there is no possibility of a coup, as the current situation is not severe or critical enough to warrant such action,' he said. When asked about concerns over the political situation and media reports, Phumtham replied, 'I'm not worried because the Commander of the 2nd Army Region has already confirmed there are no issues, and there is no need for panic.' Finally, addressing doubts about the government's stability, he stated that the government remains strong, and the matter had already been clarified between the Prime Minister and the Commander of the 2nd Army Region during their meeting. He reiterated, 'If anyone still doesn't understand, they can directly contact the Commander of the 2nd Army Region. This is not a crisis.' Earlier, Piyabutr Saengkanokkul had called for the Prime Minister to dissolve the House, citing the leaked audio conversation between the Thai Prime Minister and the Cambodian Senate President, as well as the ongoing conflict between the Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai parties over the Interior Minister position, which he believes has affected the stability of the government. He stated that under nearly two years of this cross-party government, the Pheu Thai Party had failed to implement its campaign promises and thus called for the Prime Minister to dissolve the House of Representatives so that the public could decide anew who should lead the government and resolve the political crisis in the short term. He added that his suggestion was for the benefit of both the country and the Pheu Thai Party, to prevent the situation from leading to a coup. 'Prime Minister, please show leadership and dissolve the House. There is nothing more important than the people,' Piyabutr said. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
07-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Thai Commander: Over 400 protests filed against Cambodian border violations
BANGKOK: In a detailed Facebook post, Major General Nutt Sri-in, Deputy Commander of the 2nd Army Region, alleged that Cambodia has violated the 2000 MoU by advancing troops and digging trenches into Thai territory. He stated that Thai forces have exercised restraint and pursued peaceful negotiations, but warned that further unilateral action could escalate tensions. Maj Gen Nutt Sri-in, Deputy Commander of Thailand's 2nd Army Region, posted a detailed message on his personal Facebook page on Saturday (June 7), highlighting key historical and legal facts surrounding the Thai-Cambodian border dispute. He wrote: 'The Truth... 1. Thailand and Cambodia have long-standing border issues, primarily because the two sides rely on different historical maps. 2. The 1:200,000-scale map often referenced was produced as part of the Franco-Siam Treaties of 1904 and 1907. It is a rough-scale map with several discrepancies from the actual watershed line. 3. To address these differences, both countries agreed to establish the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to work together on producing an officially accepted border line and demarcation markers. 4. While the JBC carries out its work, a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2000 (commonly referred to as MOU43) provides guidelines for both sides. Notably, Article 5 prohibits any alteration of terrain that could impact the watershed boundary. - Photo: The Nation/ANN 5. In the past, Cambodia has consistently violated MOU43 by expanding communities, building casinos, and cultivating crops near the border—actions that damage the watershed. We have lodged more than 400 protests, but cooperation to resolve the issues has been minimal. Meanwhile, on our side, the area falls under national park status, so no such actions can be taken. 6. Before the burning of the Trimuk Pavilion on February 28, 2025, Cambodian troops were stationed no closer than 500 metres from the border. Our forces were similarly positioned. The area in between was a zone of peace, where both sides came and went, coordinated, and resolved issues through dialogue. 7. On February 28, 2025, Cambodia burned down the Trimuk Pavilion and advanced their forces to the alstonia scholaris tree, which intrudes approximately 150 metres into Thai sovereignty. They also dug a trench, destroyed the watershed, and violated MoU 43. 8. We have tried to resolve the issue peacefully, with patience and restraint. We have held negotiations many times, requesting the withdrawal of troops that encroached on Thai sovereignty, but Cambodia refused to pull back. Eventually, weapons were used on May 28, 2025. 9. Thai commanders at all levels have sought peaceful solutions, repeatedly negotiating for the withdrawal of troops from the encroached area. Cambodia claims those forces were already stationed there before MOU43, which is absolutely untrue. If troops had been there last year (August 2024), how could I have walked through that point to reach the Trimuk Pavilion? 10. Cambodia claims it is under aggression and that Thailand is not resolving the issue peacefully. They threaten to escalate the conflict to the International Court of Justice, saying it will bring closure. But how can there be closure? 11. Cambodia continues to reinforce troops and bring in weapons, attempting to extend control to other parts of the border that were previously unoccupied forest or hills. If we deploy forces to defend our sovereignty, it becomes a direct confrontation. For what purpose? 12. We have already agreed rules between our two sides. Wouldn't it be better to face each other openly and talk like men? If this goes to court, our children will end up adversaries forever. What good can come from that, if we still consider each other friends? - The Nation/ANN
The Star
03-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Thailand asks military to be patient at Thai-Cambodian border
BANGKOK: Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, Commander of the 2nd Army Region, on Monday (June 2) acknowledged that the government had requested the military to remain patient regarding the Thai-Cambodian border situation, following a buildup of Cambodian forces and heavy weaponry in the Chong Bok area, Ubon Ratchathani Province. This area is claimed by both Thailand and Cambodia, with Thai military officials reporting incursions into Thai territory. Boonsin stated that the Thai government has asked the military to exercise restraint despite growing concerns over these developments. He confirmed that, while the military supports the government's decision to avoid escalating tensions, the possibility of closing the border will be proposed if the situation becomes too untrustworthy. 'We received instructions from the government to exercise patience,' he said. 'It is our policy to maintain composure and follow due process. We cannot act impulsively or make decisions on our own. We will endure as long as possible, following the proper steps. Currently, we are following the government's directives, and we are in the process of holding a Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) meeting to resolve the issue.' Regarding the potential closure of the Thai-Cambodian border as a measure to put pressure on Cambodia, Boonsin clarified that while the military has not yet made a final decision, it remains one option on the table. The military is concerned that the closure could harm local communities along the border, which is why they are waiting for further developments. If the situation becomes untrustworthy, the military will propose closing the border to the government. 'I acknowledge that the government has indeed requested us to remain patient,' Boonsin said. 'As for the border closure, it is only one of the measures we are considering. If the situation becomes untenable, we will propose this to the government.' Boonsin also mentioned that, in the past few days, Thai citizens have continued to closely follow the situation at the Thai-Cambodian border. Many have shown their support by sending supplies and messages of encouragement to the Thai military. 'We thank all Thai people, from every background, ethnicity, and religion, who care about our sovereignty and the border issue,' he said. 'It is our duty, as the military, to protect our borders and uphold sovereignty, following the official maps and guidelines with the utmost rigour. We will not let any land be lost. Please trust in our soldiers; we will do our best to fulfill our duties." - The Nation/ANN
