New delhi: A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that Indian academics are closely monitoring the situation on the Thai-Cambodian border and believe they understand Thailand, as it shares the same problems with its neighbor. Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that he will use the international forum to clarify the facts.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkaew, Minister of Foreign Affairs, took the opportunity of his visit to the Republic of India from 30 November to 1 December 2015 to discuss and exchange views with Indian academics who play a role in India’s foreign policy.
Mr. Nikorndej Plankul, Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, revealed that the discussions with Indian academics were aimed at exchanging views, primarily on issues relevant to both Thailand and India, such as the Thai-Cambodian border situation. The Indian academics, who have been closely monitoring the situation, also inquired about Thailand’s intentions for meeting with representatives of international organizations at the Ottawa Convention Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. Mr. Sihasak reassured them that he intended to use the international forum to clarify the facts to the international community. The academics took a clear, neutral stance, as India, like Thailand, has its own problems with its neighbors. Therefore, India understands Thailand’s current situation, as a larger country than its neighbors, requiring patience and adherence to international law.
Mr. Nikorndet believes that Thailand’s demonstration of its stance to India is a positive move and demonstrates mutual empathy. Meanwhile, Indian academics view the Thai-Cambodian border issue in two ways. First, they favor resolving the issue through existing bilateral mechanisms, which is Thailand’s current approach. Meanwhile, there are still issues that require international mechanisms, such as demining. Indian academics praise Thailand for moving forward with demining within Thai sovereignty without waiting for Cambodia to act. However, these academics believe that both demining and scammer issues require international mechanisms, but they must not be related to the Thai-Cambodian border issue.