Thai Expert Urges Strategic Communication Approach for Crucial Border Talks with Cambodia
Security specialist warns Thailand must prepare dedicated media team to counter potential Cambodian misinformation during GBC negotiations
- A security expert advises Thailand to create a specialized communication team to counter potentially misleading statements from Cambodia during border negotiations.
- The expert recommends close coordination with Malaysia, the host nation for the talks, to effectively control the agenda and direction of the meetings.
- Thailand's proactive strategy of inviting foreign diplomats and media to visit affected border areas is highlighted as a successful way to build international support.
- The expert suggests encouraging greater involvement from high-level representatives of major powers like the US and China to ensure a balanced international perspective on the conflict.
Thailand must establish a specialised communication team and work closely with Malaysia to effectively manage upcoming General Border Committee (GBC) negotiations with Cambodia, a leading security expert has warned.
Associate Professor Dr Panitan Wattanayagorn, a specialist in security and foreign affairs, emphasised that such measures are essential to counter potentially misleading statements from the Cambodian side during the high-stakes talks.
The expert's recommendations come as Thailand and Cambodia prepare to begin GBC meetings today (4 August), starting with smaller committee sessions through 6 August, followed by full committee meetings on 7 August.
The United States and China will participate as observers in the proceedings hosted by Malaysia.
Dr Panitan stressed the importance of Thailand maintaining close coordination with Malaysia as the host nation to effectively control the agenda and direction of negotiations.
He also highlighted concerns about unidentified drones entering Thai airspace, which he suggested could be linked to major powers seeking to interfere in regional conflicts.
The academic advised Thailand to work closely with both the US and China to maintain balanced relations, noting that both nations have significant interests in the region.
He warned that Thailand could find itself at a disadvantage without clear communication and a firm stance.
Regarding border situation management, Dr Panitan praised the Thai government's proactive approach of inviting foreign diplomatic staff, military attachés, and international media to visit affected areas firsthand.
This strategy has helped build greater international understanding and support, particularly highlighted by the Japanese Ambassador's participation in site visits—significant given Japan's continued support for Cambodia.
However, the expert expressed concern about limited participation from major powers, particularly noting the small number of ambassadors from the US and China who have visited the affected areas.
He recommended that Thailand encourage greater involvement from fully empowered representatives of these nations to create better balance in international forums.
The upcoming GBC meetings in Malaysia aim to establish clearer ceasefire frameworks. Cambodia has requested Chinese and American observers to participate, a move that some experts suggest may cause discomfort among various parties but could potentially accelerate conflict resolution.
Dr Panitan's analysis underscores the delicate diplomatic balancing act Thailand faces as it navigates complex regional dynamics whilst managing bilateral border disputes with Cambodia under international scrutiny.
