However, he gave an assurance that any repatriation of trespassers would be carried out through formal procedures, not through the use of force, reports the Bangkok Post.
Governor Parinya Phothisat was speaking during a joint inspection of the border area with Maj Gen Benjaphon Dechartiwong Na Ayutthaya, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, King’s Guard, and head of the Burapha Task Force.
Mr Parinya said Thailand has prepared both in terms of manpower and legal frameworks to deal with cross-border challenges, particularly illegal migration.
Mr Parinya and the Burapha commander visited Ban Nong Chan in Sa Kaeo’s Khok Sung district to inspect progress in construction of a road. The Armed Forces Development Command is supplying up to 900 tonnes of laterite for use on the road, which will connect border communities.
Maj Gen Benjaphon said the visit was also an opportunity to inspect troops deployed in the area to ensure their readiness.
“We cannot predict when tensions may escalate, but we are fully prepared, legally and operationally," he said. He urged people to remain confident in the military’s capabilities.
He also asked the media to exercise caution in reporting, warning that opposing forces were closely monitoring them for information.
“Thai forces have contingency plans in place for all scenarios. If violence erupts, we are ready to strictly enforce the law,’’ the Burapha Task Force commander said.
Mr Prinya said that fom Oct 10 authorities would step up surveillance and prioritise legal action against those who cross the border illegally. Decisions made by the General Border Committee (GBC) would guide the province’s next moves.
Asked about the Regional Border Committee (RBC) bilateral meeting scheduled for Sept 24–26, the Sa Kaeo governor said clarity must come from military leaders of both countries.
On Cambodian claims to Ban Nong Ya Kaeo, the governor said the situation on the ground must take precedence.
“Sa Kaeo has made it clear that if Cambodia does not submit an evacuation plan, there will be no provincial-level discussions. Talks must be held through the GBC. At the same time, I can confirm that no casinos are being built on the Thai side,” said Mr Parinya.
He reiterated that repatriation of encroachers would be conducted through legal channels after Oct 10.
“We will not use force as doing so could put Thailand at a disadvantage on the international stage. This issue has already been escalated to government level," he said.
Decisions on the opening or closure of border checkpoints rested with the prime ministers of the two countries, the provincial governor said.
On Sept 20, the Sa Kaeo provincial government ordered Cambodian “encroachers” to leave Thai soil before a meeting on border issues next month.
The order was contained in a statement responding to Cambodian proposals that Thai authorities have rejected as an attempt to stall progress on easing tensions over disputed territory.
It followed a meeting on Sept 17 between Sa Kaeo governor Parinya and his counterpart in Cambodia’s adjoining Banteay Meanchey province, Oum Reatrey.
The Thai statement said that Cambodian citizens who have encroached on Thai-claimed border areas must leave all zones in Sa Kaeo province. A detailed evacuation plan must be submitted to Sa Kaeo authorities prior to the next GBC meeting, scheduled for Oct 10, it said.