Govt touts 'progress' in border talks

Minister grilled over Cambodia tensions

- AEKARACH SATTABURUTH

Signs have emerged of a gradual easing of the Thai-Cambodian border tensions, with progress in bilateral negotiations, according to Deputy Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit.

During a parliamentary session yesterday, Gen Nattaphon addressed concerns raised by the opposition People's Party leader and MP Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut regarding the border situation.

Mr Natthaphong questioned the conflict and why the government refused to seek additional military weapons from the US through the Joint United States Military Advisory Group Thailand (JUSMAGTHAI), as recommended by security agencies.

He also asked why the government failed to launch operations targeting criminal networks allegedly connected to Cambodian leaders.

In response, Gen Nattaphon said that border measures have not been overly restrictive.