Government Expands Scope of Special Center's Operations
The Thai government has established a new centre to manage situations along the Thai-Cambodian border. The Special Operations Centre for Thai-Cambodian Border Situations Management (SOC-TCBSM) was set up by caretaker Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, following an order signed recently.
The SOC-TCBSM's mandate includes monitoring and assessing developments along the border, analysing risks, and recommending measures to the National Security Council (NSC), the prime minister, or the cabinet. The centre will coordinate cross-agency efforts for a unified response and act as the main channel for disseminating information to the public.
The 27-member SOC-TCBSM will be headed by a deputy defence minister as director. Key members include the permanent secretary of defence, commanders of the armed forces, the head of the Internal Security Operations Command, and senior officials from key government agencies. The secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC), the permanent secretary for foreign affairs, and the permanent secretary for the interior will serve as deputy directors.
Cooperation with Cambodia must remain bilateral and not be influenced by third-party countries or organizations. The order stresses that the cooperation should not be influenced by external entities. Government agencies, state entities, and enterprises are required to provide information, documents, and other support upon request.
The NSC Office will serve as the secretariat for the SOC-TCBSM, providing administrative, academic, and communication support, as well as monitoring the centre's performance. The centre will submit regular reports to the NSC, the prime minister, or the cabinet.
The principles of sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and respect for national identity are highlighted in the order. The order also emphasizes a peaceful resolution to the conflict with Cambodia. The SOC-TCBSM can establish sub-committees, set up working groups, or assign officials to specific tasks as needed.
The SOC-TCBSM was initially set up by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's administration before her removal from office by the Constitutional Court. The centre continues its work under the caretaker prime minister, aiming to maintain peace and order along the Thai-Cambodian border.
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