BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand kept its border crossings with Cambodia firmly closed after a key frontier agreement collapsed, the new defence minister announced.
No mercy at the border
The Thai government decided to seal the crossings after the end of an important accord on the border area. Communication at the checkpoints between the two countries largely fell silent.
Defence Minister Adul Boonthumjaroen stressed that security came first. He said the crossings would only reopen if Cambodia strictly observed the ceasefire.
Government holds firm
Adul took office on Friday with a clear message. He confirmed there were currently no plans to reopen the crossings for traffic.
“The government has made it clear that the border will remain closed as long as the joint declaration, which refers to the ceasefire agreement from December, is not respected.”
said Adul Boonthumjaroen, defence minister.
Troops in the border region
Despite the hard line, bureaucratic channels in the background continued to operate. Several committees were working on border demarcation and regional security.
Direct talks between senior figures from the two countries had not yet taken place. Positions appeared entrenched while soldiers at the frontier waited for orders.
Modernising the armed forces
Adul aimed to use his term to make Thailand’s defence forces more effective. He planned a system for volunteer soldiers to increase the army’s operational strength.
He also wanted to bolster domestic industry so the country would not depend on foreign supplies in an emergency. Thailand sought to stand on its own feet in times of crisis.
Better lives for soldiers
The minister also focused on improving conditions for troops at the border, not only on weaponry. He planned to expand roads, electricity and water networks in remote frontier areas.
Families of fallen soldiers were a particular priority. They were to receive better medical care and stronger state support.
Protection at sea
The Royal Thai Navy was also put on heightened alert. After the end of the previous arrangements, attention shifted to the country’s maritime territory.
Spokesman Parach Rattanachaiyaphan underlined that the navy would defend national sovereignty by all means. The forces were now relying on United Nations international sea law as their legal basis.