Thai General Pushes Back on Border Reopening

BANGKOK, Aug 14 (TNA) – Maj. Gen. Boonsin Padklang, commander of Thailand’s Second Army Region, said he is not ready to reopen border crossings with Cambodia, adding they may remain closed until he retires at the end of September.

The general’s comments came ahead of a Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting with his Cambodian counterpart. He said Cambodia has accepted the invitation, and a preliminary meeting is set for late August to finalize the agenda.

Boonsin also reiterated that the Ta Kwai temple belongs to Thailand and that a way must be found to reclaim it, whether through international or domestic means.

Regarding the management of landmines, he said the Thai military has adjusted remote surveillance, are using special equipment, including drones for inspection, and laying barbed wire.

He confirmed that landmines would be a major topic at the RBC meeting. He noted that Cambodia’s use of mines violates the Ottawa Convention, to which it is a signatory, and warned that if Cambodia does not agree to clear them, Thailand will lodge an international protest. -819 (TNA)