Latest news with #Phumtham
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
14-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Thai DPM Phumtham says Thai-Cambodian leaders have resolved tensions, urges calm ahead of Joint Boundary Commission talks
BANGKOK: Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai (pic) stated on Friday (June 14) that the top leaders of Thailand and Cambodia have already spoken to resolve misunderstandings regarding the recent border tensions. He expressed confidence that after the upcoming Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting on June 14, border operations—including the opening and closing of crossings—will return to normal along the entire frontier. 'There has been criticism from individuals not directly involved in the negotiations, which only worsens misunderstandings,' Phumtham said. 'We want to maintain good relations. The situation has calmed, and we should preserve the atmosphere for constructive dialogue.' He stressed that border operations should return to normal through the Regional Border Committee (RBC) mechanism, which allows both sides to discuss logistical details. 'At the same time, we must strengthen diplomatic ties and promote joint economic development. The world is already facing widespread instability; we must avoid further conflict,' he added, urging the public to rely solely on official information from the two governments. When asked about Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen's recent Facebook posts alleging that the Thai government cannot control certain elements within its military, Phumtham said the issue is being clarified and is expected to improve as discussions continue. He reiterated the importance of avoiding misinformation and noted that both sides are working to ensure a shared understanding at all levels. Separately, Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, commander of the 2nd Army Region, responded that the issue is political in nature, describing Cambodia's actions as an attempt to manage domestic sentiment. He affirmed that the Thai military remains unfazed by the speculation. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
11-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Thai defence minister unfazed by Cambodia's ICJ plan, says Thailand ready with response measures
BANGKOK: Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai (pic) on Wednesday (June 11) brushed aside Cambodia's move to file a case with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding four disputed border areas, affirming that Thailand is already prepared with appropriate response measures. His remarks came after Phnom Penh set up a committee to prepare documents for filing a complaint with the ICJ over the disputed border areas, including the Mom Bei area and the temples of Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Tauch, and Ta Krabei. In response, Phumtham said it is within Cambodia's right to proceed with legal action, but reiterated that Thailand has not accepted the ICJ's jurisdiction in such matters since the administration of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. 'Let the matter proceed through due process,' he said. When asked whether the issue would affect the upcoming Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) meeting scheduled for Saturday (June 14), Phumtham acknowledged that the dispute is unlikely to be resolved swiftly. He added that both the Royal Thai Army and the 2nd Army Region were in agreement to maintain the current system of controlling the opening and closing of border checkpoints in each area, confirming that measures have not been escalated. Phumtham stressed that the border with Cambodia has not been completely shut but is subject to scheduled openings and limitations on the number of people crossing. He expressed confidence that the situation would gradually improve, citing increased communication between Thai and Cambodian troops on the ground and proposals for joint patrols and collaborative activities. When asked whether Cambodia's move resembled the earlier case involving the Preah Vihear Temple, Phumtham said the Preah Vihear issue was unrelated to the current tension, although the previous case could offer some lessons. As for the Thailand Watch Foundation's suggestion to replace the current head of negotiations—who was also involved during the Preah Vihear dispute—Phumtham argued that someone familiar with the issue and the local context would best understand the current situation. 'The government will listen to the facts and reasons. This is not about personal preferences or who likes whom. It's about addressing the national interest. We must prioritise what's best for the country,' he said. Asked if Cambodia's unilateral filing would have any impact, Phumtham said it was difficult to predict. He added that any legal matters would be handled by the Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs. He confirmed that Thailand has already prepared contingency plans. "How could we not be prepared in a time of national crisis? We are ready. Further details will be provided in due course," he concluded. - The Nation/ANN
Yomiuri Shimbun
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Thailand and Cambodia Say They Will Return to Agreed Border Positions after Fatal Clash
Reuters A royalist activist holds a Thai flag as he protests in front of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia, following a recent clash at the Thailand-Cambodia border on May 28, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand, June 6, 2025. BANGKOK/PHNOM PENH, June 8 (Reuters) – Cambodia's Defence Ministry confirmed on Sunday that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to return their troops to previous border positions after a clash in which a Cambodian soldier was killed prompted both to reinforce their military presence. The Cambodian statement, which said both sides wished to ease tensions following the incident in an undemarcated area on May 28, came after Thai Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said both countries were in talks to defuse the situation and would revert to positions agreed in 2024. For days, the two governments have exchanged statements, saying they were committed to finding a peaceful resolution. Neither gave details about where or to what extent their military forces had been reinforced at the weekend. Thailand operates 17 official border crossings with Cambodia, spanning seven provinces along their shared 817 km (508 miles) frontier, Thai government data shows. Both countries have for more than a century contested sovereignty at undemarcated points along their shared border, which was mapped by France in 1907 when Cambodia was its colony. Thailand's Phumtham said both sides hoped the border issue could be fully resolved through bilateral talks, including a meeting of the Joint Boundary Committee on June 14. Cambodia's Foreign Ministry reiterated a request to bring the border disputes to the International Court of Justice in a letter to Thai officials on June 6. 'Given the complexity, historical nature, and sensitivity of these disputes, it is increasingly evident that bilateral dialogue alone may no longer suffice to bring about a comprehensive and lasting solution,' Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said in the note shared with reporters on Sunday. 'A decision rendered by the ICJ, grounded in international law, would offer a fair, impartial, and durable resolution,' he said. The Thai government has said it does not recognise the court's jurisdiction and proposed that all boundary-related issues be resolved through bilateral negotiations. Tensions between the countries escalated in 2008 over an 11th-century Hindu temple, leading to skirmishes over several years and at least a dozen deaths, including during a week-long exchange of artillery in 2011. In the latest flare up, Thailand cut operating hours at 10 border crossings with Cambodia, citing security concerns. Checkpoints, including the busiest in Thailand's eastern province of Sa Kaeo, halved operating hours on Sunday to 8 a.m. (0100 GMT) to 4 p.m. local time, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., previously, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura told reporters. The governments of Thailand and Cambodia previously enjoyed warmer ties, owing to a friendship between former leaders, Thaksin Shinawatra from Thailand and Cambodia's Hun Sen. Thaksin's daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and Hun Sen's son, Hun Manet, are now the incumbent prime ministers of their countries and the conflict has raised questions over their relationship.
