Thai government faces pressure over Cambodia border issue as ally exits

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Thailand's government has come under pressure over its border issue with Cambodia as the coalition partner leaves the government.

A minister from the Bhumjaithai Party, which is backed by the military, resigned on Wednesday after Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's phone call with Cambodia's Senate President Hun Sen was confirmed on Hun Sen's Facebook page earlier in the day.

Paetongtarn can be heard blaming the army's 2nd Army Region commander during the call for the escalating border tensions, according to the Bangkok Post.

"As for the opposition to the Thai government, such as the 2nd Army Region commander (Lt. Gen. Boonsin Padklang), he could say anything that doesn’t benefit the country—anything just to make himself look cool," Paetongtarn said during the talk.

The Thai prime minister said that she was willing to compromise for the normalization of relations.

In a press briefing later, she said that she meant Cambodians who disagreed with the Thai government by opposition.

Following the leak and resignations, the Royal Thai Army said in a Facebook post: "No matter the situation... The Royal Thai Army stands ready. To fully protect sovereignty."

The ruling Pheu Thai Party said in a statement that the party "reiterates its mission to protect the sovereignty and interests of the Thai people" and adhere to peaceful methods in resolving issues, Khaosod English reported.

Tensions between two Southeast Asian nations escalated on May 28 when troops from Thailand and Cambodia exchanged gunfire along their border.

One Cambodian soldier was killed during the 10-minute clash in a disputed area between Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province and Thailand’s northeastern Ubon Ratchathani province.

The two sides have issued conflicting statements on who initiated the gunfire.

Cambodia has taken the border dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).