BANGKOK, June 5 — Thailand has warned against the spread of fake news that could inflame tensions over its border dispute with Cambodia, as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra urged coordinated efforts to address the issue and prevent public agitation.
Government Spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap said Paetongtarn had instructed all ministries, including security agencies and the Digital Economy and Society Ministry, to closely monitor and curb the dissemination of false information that could incite unrest or escalate the situation.
"The Prime Minister has also urged cooperation from all media outlets, including social media platforms and other sectors, to avoid inciting or escalating conflicts, as such actions would be detrimental to the Thai people and the nation," he said in a statement today.
Last Wednesday (May 28), Thai and Cambodian troops were involved in a brief gunfight in Thailand’s north-eastern Ubon Ratchathani province and Cambodia’s northern Preah Vihear province, where one Cambodian soldier was reportedly killed.
Cambodia has announced its plan to bring the border dispute before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Jirayu said the Foreign Ministry has been appointed as the central body for providing official clarifications, in coordination with the Defence Ministry and other relevant agencies.
He added that Paetongtarn reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding Thailand’s sovereignty and resolving the dispute within the framework of the law and existing agreements with Cambodia, specifically under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 43.
"The Thai government is confident that the negotiations scheduled for June 14 under the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) will help de-escalate the situation, prioritising the welfare of the nation and its people above all else," Jirayu said.
Speaking during the weekly Cabinet meeting yesterday, Paetongtarn directed all ministries to work together to resolve the issue peacefully.
— Bernama
