Preparation is essential to reduce the risks that arise when Thailand cuts off power and internet services in Poipet city so as not to disrupt normal operations at key offices, especially the border crossing that is the gateway for tourists and other economic activities.
According to reports in Thai media such as the Nation newspaper, Thailand is currently monitoring the Myanmar border for terrorist groups, making changes Or move their illegal operations from there to Poipet.
According to news reports, the Thai government is currently monitoring. If the gang escapes from the Myanmar border to establish a base in Cambodia. The same source added that Thailand has prepared to cut off the electricity supply to Poipet in Cambodia if necessary to prevent the gang from escaping from Myanmar. At present, the matter is in the hands of Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Vejjajaichai and Minister of National Defense.
Regarding this issue, Phumtham has already traveled to the Thai border area and it was revealed that an internal meeting of the National Security Council to assess the progress of efforts to contain the Myanmar gang has been organized, and measures have been discussed. However, a decision on cutting off electricity, internet and fuel to Cambodia has not yet been made. Phum Tham had previously said that the situation at the Myanmar border and the situation at the Cambodian border are different.
In addition to cutting off electricity, internet services and fuel, the Vietnam News Agency also reported that Thailand is considering a proposal to build a 55-kilometer wall along the Cambodian border in Aranya district, Sa Kaeo province, to prevent human and drug trafficking.
The same source quoted Defense Ministry spokesman Gen. Thanathip Sawangseong as saying: (Thanathip Sawangsaeng) said the proposal for the wall was raised with the Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense during his recent visit to Aranyaprathet district, which borders Cambodia.
The source said the proposal was put forward by the police, military and the Ministry of Interior as a measure to strengthen efforts against human and drug trafficking along the Thai-Cambodian border.
Mr. Thanathip explained that currently, 55 kilometers of the 165-kilometer border is secured with barbed wire. While the remaining border is a common area that allows people and criminal groups to enter and leave the country illegally. However, a comprehensive study is needed to assess the potential impact on local communities and to ensure that the wall is built outside areas with overlapping territorial claims.
Up until now, Poipet has been known as a city under the administration of Banteay Meanchey province. The city is a service center, tourism center, and a major gateway for Cambodia’s trade with Thailand.
Regarding Thailand’s move, an analyst said that Thailand cannot decide on its own on the move it has mentioned because if Thailand takes action, it will not only affect Cambodia, especially the city of Poipet, but also Thailand itself.
He said that Poipet is an important international gateway for Cambodia. But it is also a valuable economic gateway for Thailand, unlike the potential in towns where Thailand has cut off its power, internet and fuel supplies to Myanmar.
