Thai Prime Minister suspended from office, Thai Culture Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has officially submitted a final written defense to the Constitutional Court regarding the recording incident with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen on August 25. The Constitutional Court is scheduled to issue a verdict on August 29.
Thai authorities affirmed that although the trial attracted great attention, the top priority of the current government is still the security of the Thai - Cambodian border and national unity.
Revealing to the press on August 26, Mr. Prommin Lertsuridej, General Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office, emphasized: "We believe that all actions are in accordance with the procedures and believe the court will consider fairness".
When asked if Ms. Paetongtarn would attend the August 29 ruling directly, Mr. Prommin said that her presence was not as important as solving the country's current challenges, especially the Thai-Cambodian border situation.
He said that military activities at the border have basically been controlled, but the focus is now on foreign relations and information management. Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, who is working in Europe, is expected to work on the Ottawa and MOU43 Conventions - a memorandum of understanding between the Thai and Cambodian governments on surveying and determining land borders, signed on June 14, 2000.
Another hot spot mentioned is the accusation that the Cambodian side used civilians as shields, seriously violating international regulations. Mr. Prommin affirmed: Incestering into Thai territory, even with a fence to protect it, is an illegal act. The Thailand - Cambodia Border Management Center has directed the military, police and the Ministry of Home Affairs to deploy appropriate response measures.
He emphasized that to protect sovereignty and the interests of the people, solidarity between the people, government and army is a vital factor. In the context of spreading fake news, even information aimed at the entire court, Mr. Prommin warned: "The Party wants to weaken Thailand, causing internal division. If political interests overwhelm national interests, that will be a real threat to the Thai people.
He stressed that regardless of the court's ruling on Ms. Paetongtarn, the government will continue to maintain its territory, sovereignty and people's rights at all costs.
Meanwhile, on August 26, Cambodian and Thai military officials held a discussion to prepare for the Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting, scheduled to take place today (August 27).
At a press conference on August 26, Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesman Lieutenant General Maly Socheata said that Cambodia called on Thailand to fully respect the ceasefire.
She emphasized the importance of curbing the expansion of dispute areas and avoiding actions that could increase stress.
Cambodia reaffirms that all disputes related to border issues must be resolved through the Joint Border Committee (JBC) of both countries, in the spirit of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding.
