Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Former Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Surakiart Sathirathai has suggested that Cambodia is deliberately intensifying border tensions with Thailand to distract from its domestic challenges and exploit Thailand's current political instability. Speaking at a lecture in Bangkok as part of the Executive Programme in Strategic Mass Communication, Surakiart pointed out Cambodia's history of using nationalist sentiment to divert attention from internal issues like economic troubles or elections.

 

Surakiart highlighted Cambodia's past actions involving the disputed Preah Vihear temple area, where past clashes led to international legal proceedings. He warned that the current border disputes could similarly escalate, potentially leading to armed conflict and international intervention.

 

During a Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission meeting over the weekend, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet signalled his intent to bring unresolved border areas, including Ta Muen Thom and Chong Bok, before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Thailand has consistently rejected the ICJ's jurisdiction on these new issues, having contested a similar reinterpretation of an earlier judgment involving Preah Vihear, which resulted in a territorial loss for Thailand in 2013.

 

Surakiart argued that the recent tensions might reflect Hun Manet's needs to solidify his domestic control by rallying nationalist support. He also noted that Cambodia might see this as an opportune moment due to Thailand's political volatility, marked by cabinet reshuffles and bureaucratic delays.

 

Adding complexity to the situation is China’s recent pledge of further military cooperation with Cambodia, following President Xi Jinping's visit. While China's ties with Thailand are strong, Cambodia's closer alignment and arms support from China could embolden its stance toward Thailand.

 

Surakiart raised concerns about the economic ramifications for Thailand if tensions lead to disruptions in cross-border trade or infrastructure operations. He questioned who in Cambodia stands to economically benefit from the ongoing escalation.

 

In light of these challenges, Surakiart emphasized the need for Thailand to carefully weigh the costs and strategic responses, highlighting the importance of safeguarding the nation's territorial integrity amidst regional complexities.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-06-16

 

 

China stirring up trouble, who would have thought.

Tony would never do such a thing! Darn Cambodians!