OPINION

Thank you, Trump

Re: "Concern at Trump's trade deal threats", (BP, July 28).

I was taken aback by the report about the Senate committee on military and national security's concerns on Donald Trump's calls to Cambodia and Thailand to agree on an immediate ceasefire. To state that we should separate national security from economic issues concerning the well-being of our citizens is rather narrow-minded.

I never expected to like any of Mr Trump's interventions, but I was somewhat surprised and pleased by his latest warning to Thailand and Cambodia. Mr Trump's move has saved lives and evacuees along the border from more misery. Thank you, President Donald Trump!

Without Mr Trump's intervention, these two countries can never resolve the issues, since there are two despots involved. The nature of a despot is well described by your former editor, Veera Prateepchaikul, in his piece, "When despots fall out, everyone suffers". They don't think about anything but themselves.

Re: "Concern at Trump's trade deal threats", (BP, July 28).

When a nation engaged in a border conflict calls for an unconditional ceasefire during an active war without addressing the root causes for a lasting resolution, it often indicates ulterior motives. We can observe similar dynamics in our current border conflict with Cambodia. Allowing an "unconditional" ceasefire now could enable Cambodia to rearm for future confrontations. Our objective should be to pursue a conditional ceasefire while focusing on our long-term border security.

Unconditional ceasefires often lead to "frozen" conflicts, which can become active again at any time. Global frozen conflicts have allowed countries in the arms market to maintain or even increase demand for military equipment.

Recently, the US has sought to mediate our border dispute. This offer to be involved conceals several ulterior motives, including providing the US with a platform to demonstrate its continued engagement in Asean affairs -- despite its waning influence and relevance -- and facilitating the conflict's transition into a frozen status that benefits the world's arms dealers, of which the US holds more than 50% market share.

Thailand and other Asean countries must be cautious about allowing involvement from non-Asean nations in regional issues and conflicts. It is crucial that we make no trade agreement with the US that compromises our sovereignty and the integrity of our borders.

Every day, there is explosive front-page news about the military action along the border between Thailand and Cambodia. While it is understandable that the Bangkok Post would naturally want to support the Thai cause, it is inexcusable that the Post fails to report significant relevant facts.

Nowhere have I seen the Post discuss the judgements by the International Court of Justice in 1962, 2008, and 2013, which, as near as I can tell, all favoured Cambodia. Judging from that, it is tempting to assume that Thailand doesn't want to take the issue to the ICJ!

It seems to me that good reporting would put these judgements front-and-centre in a thoughtful analysis. I'm not saying who's right and wrong in the dispute, only that it's impossible to make an informed opinion when not all the facts are provided.