Bangkok: Mr. Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a party-list MP from the People's Party, has voiced strong criticism against Cambodia's six countermeasures aimed at Thailand, stating that these actions are causing significant hardship to the Cambodian people. He suggests that the Thai government should directly target the financial interests of the Hun family as a means to bring Cambodia back to the negotiating table. Mr. Wiroj emphasizes that the ongoing dispute is rooted in Cambodia's violation of the MOU 43, and calls for Thai support in this diplomatic battle.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Wiroj expressed concern over the adverse effects of Cambodia's measures, which have impacted trade and the transfer of patients, disrupting the quality of life for many Cambodians. He criticized Cambodia for failing to sacrifice its own interests, particularly those tied to the casino business, for the sake of its people.
Mr. Wiroj advised the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense to focus on interest groups associated with Hun Manet and Hun Sen, specifically the LYP Group, which is deeply involved in the casino industry and linked to some Thai political and financial networks. He called for a thorough investigation of any criminal activities using Thailand as a base and emphasized that targeting the financial interests of the Hun family could pressure the Cambodian government into reasonable negotiations.
He further noted that Thailand has consistently adhered to MOU 43 and has not imposed new demands or conditions on Cambodia. Mr. Wiroj questioned Cambodia's legitimacy in making demands and highlighted the importance of supporting Thai entrepreneurs and communities affected by the dispute, urging the Prime Minister to allocate a central budget for emergency relief.
Mr. Wiroj dismissed concerns over potential misunderstandings in power and internet cuts by Cambodia as conciliatory gestures, emphasizing the need for measures that do not harm the livelihoods of people in both countries. He stressed the importance of focusing on Cambodian capital groups like LYP Group to prompt reasonable negotiations.
Addressing the question of whether Cambodia's six measures significantly impact Thailand, Mr. Wiroj acknowledged some effects and recommended financial support for affected Thai citizens. He criticized Cambodia for prioritizing its interests over its people's welfare, particularly in the casino sector, and urged Thailand to communicate its adherence to MOU 43 internationally.
Mr. Wiroj questioned Cambodia's decision to prevent the screening of Thai dramas in favor of showcasing Hun Sen's history, suggesting such actions only inconvenience the Cambodian people while sparing the financial interests of influential groups. He concluded by reiterating Thailand's readiness to negotiate under MOU 43 and criticized Cambodia's lack of legitimacy in imposing measures that harm its own citizens.