In Recent Border Controversies, Thailand’s Government Has Been Missing in Action

Cambodia and Thailand have a maritime border dispute that dates back to 1973. The Thai government’s lack of a strategic public communication strategy is allowing false and politically damaging information to enter into the public narrative and is beginning to affect bilateral relations. Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen recently addressed his country’s Senate regarding the issue and stated that negotiations need to be undertaken “with mutual respect.” He also mused about whether the Thai government should enact a law categorizing nationalist protesters as “terrorists.” Indeed, it is true that nationalist sentiment over territorial claims has led to violence between the two neighbors in the recent past. Myanmar-Thailand Border Tensions The Thai government’s uncoordinated communication strategy was again on display during a recent incident on the country’s maritime border with Myanmar. A Strategy Needed The lack of attention from the Pheu Thai government toward public communication is allowing government opponents to muddy the narrative and create confusion among the public.