Bangkok: Chaichanok Chidchob, a Member of Parliament for Buriram and Secretary-General of the Bhumjaithai Party, has expressed his firm stance against the reopening of the Thai-Cambodian border crossing, asserting that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has no policy endorsing such a move. He voiced concerns over potential public misinterpretations and emphasized the need for caution in handling Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) 43 and 44.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chaichanok addressed the General Border Committee (GBC) agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, which proposed considering the reopening of the border checkpoint. He clarified that with the situation unstable and unclear, it is not the right time to open the border. He highlighted the potential for public misinterpretation of Prime Minister Anutin's policies, although he personally regards Mr. Anutin as a patriotic and monarchical figure. The Bhumjaithai Party has been actively supporting residents affected by the Thai-Cambodian border conflict by providing care and evacuation services.
Addressing questions about the Second Army Region commander's stance on the border closure, Mr. Chaichanok noted that there is consensus on keeping the border closed. He acknowledged the economic impact on border regions and the national economy, particularly on Thai-operated casinos in Cambodia. Despite these challenges, he questioned where Thai citizens fit into this scenario and expressed confidence that locals would prefer the border remain closed until safety and clarity are assured.
Mr. Chaichanok further emphasized his concerns regarding MOU 44, which has been a contentious issue over the past two decades, especially concerning marine resources. He argued that reopening the border at this time might exacerbate risks and lead to further chaos. As such, he believes that maintaining the closure is essential for addressing the underlying issues effectively.