3 ministers vow to not allow encroachment on Thai sovereignty Ready to defend the border

Mae Sot, 3 ministers reiterate that they will not allow encroachment on Thai sovereignty. Ready to defend the border. "Panpree" accepts that it is possible to act as a mediator for talks with Myanmar. "Anutin" asks Thai people to be at ease. Confirming that he is taking care of those taking refuge at the risk of their lives, "Suthin" is confident that the army can handle it. Ready to fly to intercept - no need to raise the level of Army and Air Force forces. Today (23 April 2024) at 4:50 p.m., Mr. Panpree Phitthanukorn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs (FOR) and Chairman of the Special Committee for Managing the Situation Due to Uncertainty Peace in Myanmar along with Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior (MoI), and Mr. Suthin Khlangsaeng, Minister of Defense. Gave an interview to the media at Mae Sot International Airport. After completing the mission to monitor the Thai-Myanmar border situation Mr. Panpree said that Mr. Settha Thavisin, Prime Ministe r and Minister of Finance, assigned himself and two other ministers to monitor the situation in Mae Sot District, Tak Province upon their arrival. Therefore, there was a joint meeting with the relevant agencies. Especially regarding humanitarian care for Myanmar citizens seeking safety in Thailand. Received an answer that everyone was relieved. Out of more than 2,000 people who came, many had already returned to Myanmar. There are still approximately 600 people remaining. It is believed that if the situation improves, they will all return in 1-2 days. As for the impact on people in the area of ??Mae Sot District, Mr. Panpree answered that this time there was close monitoring. If there is a case where danger is expected to occur The government is ready to take care of you immediately. Move Thai people to safe areas But in the past there was no impact on the lives and property of Thai people. Therefore, the Royal Thai Army, Air Force and Ministry of Interior It is considered to be very well taken care of. Most importantly, no one will ever encroach on the sovereignty. or use Thai territory to oppose any side as well as adhering to the provision of humanitarian assistance These are the policies assigned from the beginning. and operated efficiently Mr. Panpree confirmed that the border crossing was normal. The broken Myawaddy border crossing equipment probably won't be a problem. It will probably be repaired quickly. As for the number of people fleeing the unrest, there are now just over 600 people left. Traveling back should not be a problem. 'There are explosions at certain times. We care about car transportation. Because the second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge has not yet been opened. The transportation of goods is not yet complete. But I believe that within 1-2 days it will be open. The problem is not on our side. But the problem is on his side. We do not know which side the Immigration and Customs Department are with at this time. The Border Command Center has always sent officials to negotiate with Myanmar. To solve almost all minor problems,' said the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. As for the proposal to establish Myawaddy City as a safety zone (Safety Zone), Mr. Panpree responded that there had been discussion. But Thailand could not accept the situation to the point of having to set up a safe area in their area. There are also many factors that must be carefully considered. After all, we want peace as soon as possible. But it is a matter of Myanmar that we cannot interfere in. Let Myanmar manage itself. But Thailand is ready to coordinate and talk. and bring about peace in Myanmar In addition, Mr. Panpree responded to the proposal for the Thai government to act as a mediator to reduce the fighting, saying that it is very possible because there is now some level of discussion. with various groups including armed ethnic groups and the Myanmar government But because now in the city of Myawaddy Negotiations are still within his side. Haven't had time to talk to us yet. But he already kne w that We are ready to be a connector in resolving the entire Myanmar system to return to peace quickly. As for negotiations through the role of ASEAN Thailand thinks that ASEAN should have a coordinated role in resolving the Myanmar problem. which is also a member country After sending the book 2 weeks ago Even though the chairman is Laos, they are working quickly, but they are still waiting for answers from 8-9 other ASEAN countries and it is expected that there will be another ASEAN meeting as well. As for the care conditions that civil society is concerned about, Mr. Panpree said that people who come to take refuge probably do not expect to come to a comfortable place, so care is appropriate. Especially the National Security Council (NSC) has international guidelines (Standard of Procedures) and from what I have heard. No one has felt that entering is difficult. But he came in temporarily to take refuge. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior said that he had discussed with the Governor of T ak Province. and there are reports of the situation at all times We have a humanitarian need to provide refugee care. To ensure that If a neighbor has a life-threatening danger We must provide safe care. For this purpose, we have received cooperation from all sectors, including the military, police, administration, local government organizations, village headmen, and the Royal Thai Army. Mr. Anutin added that the situation has gradually improved. Everything is under the control of every government agency. Therefore, we would like to reassure people who have relatives in the area of ??Mae Sot District, Tak Province, to be at ease. As for tourists, they can come visit many different places and support border trade as well. I want everything to go back to normal. Therefore, problems in neighboring countries should not be allowed to destroy the opportunity for economic growth in our country. 'This is the sovereignty of our country. It's not that anyone wants to come and harm their people. Or throwing anything a way is absolutely impossible. Security Department our military department Be fully prepared,' said the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. The Minister of Defense said that the army confirmed that The past situation until today It's at a level we can handle. Prepare at a normal level. There is no need to escalate the response yet. Both on the ground There is the 3rd Army Area, there are pushing forces. and give encouragement to the villagers and the Air Force has the ability to deter and deter. with an agreement with the opposing party that If bringing in an airplane, you must inform us first. We have the ability to bring an airplane up to intercept immediately. past until today There is no air disaster yet and it can be dealt with. As for those fleeing the unrest, Mr. Suthin emphasized that there are measures to separate groups according to the steps. That is, if they are villagers The administration will take care of it. But if they are soldiers, they will go through the disarmament process. I n the past, there was no event that was beyond our power. Both the property of the people and the sovereignty Confirm that the army can handle it. Source: Thai News Agency