THE Thai army today (June 1) denied former Cambodian prime minister and current head of Cambodian senate Hun Sen’s claim that the Emerald Triangle is Cambodian territory, saying it is just a claim and does not affect the actual border, Amarin TV said this afternoon.
Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvari, the army spokesman, in answering reporters’ questions about Hun Sen today having posted a message accompanied with images of the Emerald Triangle referring to it as Cambodian territory, replied that it is normal for Cambodia to claim certain areas along the border but each side relies on different evidence.
Both sides know that these are just claims and they do not affect the actual border.
According to the agreement, the only mechanism that could determine the border is the Joint Boundary Committee (JBC).
The Thai side emphasizes coexistence in the area under rules and agreements both countries have jointly agreed to.
The Thai military has prepared to deal with any situation that may arise but is currently waiting to hear the outcome of the JBC meeting, Maj. Gen. Winthai said.
Meanwhile Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said the ministry regrets the border clash between Thailand and Cambodia on May 28 and the Thai side’s actions will be carried out in accordance with international and Thai laws.
In his discussion with Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn it was agreed to prevent escalation that would affect good relations between the two countries and both parties wanted the tension to ease as soon as possible.
Of the three mechanisms to be used to resolve the problem, the Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) is the one where talks are held on defining the border while General Border Committee (GBC) has already met with there also being Regional Border Committee (RBC). The latter two panels are for creating and maintaining peace along the border.
The Thai side is waiting for Cambodia to set a date for the JBC meeting while all border checkpoints are open as usual, he added.
Later Mr. Nikorndej Plangoon, the Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson, said Hun Sen claiming the Emerald Triangle, which borders Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, as Cambodian territory does not have any legal effect.
He can post that claim but Thailand will look at it from its own point of view.
CAPTIONS:
Top: Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvari, left, and Cambodian leader Hun Sen, right.
Insert: Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, left, and Cambodian leader Hun Sen, right. Both photos: Amarin TV
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