Bangkok: The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior held a crucial meeting with governors and district chiefs from seven provinces bordering Cambodia to discuss strategic plans for protecting rear areas, ensuring continuous communication, maintaining security, and evacuating residents when necessary. The meeting was part of the Prime Minister’s directive to ensure all provinces and districts remain “ready to act immediately.”
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Arsit Sampantharat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, led the meeting to assess the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border. The meeting was attended by several key officials, including Mr. Pornpoj Penpas, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and Head of the Internal Security Affairs Mission Group, and Mr. Chucheep Phongchai, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Administration. Participants included governors from the provinces of Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, Ubon Ratchathani, Chanthaburi, Trat, and Sa Kaeo, alongside the Chanthaburi Marine Corps Task Force, connecting via video conference.
Mr. Arsit highlighted a recent incident where a soldier was injured by a landmine in Sisaket Province, raising concerns about border safety and tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. The military’s investigation into the incident pointed to a violation of the peace agreement by Cambodia, resulting in a confrontation and increased border tension.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, along with the National Security Council, decided to suspend the Thai-Cambodian border peace declaration, citing repeated violations by Cambodia. Mr. Arsit emphasized the need for the Ministry of Interior and related agencies to prepare for potential emergency responses, ensuring the protection of rear areas-a primary mission of the ministry.
The meeting stressed the importance of emergency response plans, including evacuation procedures and ensuring the safety of people in at-risk areas. Mr. Arsit urged district chiefs to work closely with local security forces to evacuate residents swiftly and safely, ensuring that designated areas provide basic amenities and maintain cleanliness.
Furthermore, Mr. Arsit called for the establishment of humanitarian assistance centers, such as field hospitals, and the inspection of bunkers and shelters to ensure readiness. He also emphasized the need for a robust warning system, highlighting the importance of maintaining communication channels and closely monitoring the situation.
The governors of the seven border provinces confirmed their readiness for operations under the rear area protection plan, with all provinces reportedly 100% prepared to manage the situation, including the readiness of bomb shelters, emergency response plans, and resources such as food and medicine.