The government can no longer afford to remain aloof to the situation on the western border with Myanmar. Bloody clashes between the Myanmar military and Karen National Union (KNU) have been dragging on, affecting Thailand in the process.
Despite the Royal Thai Army (RTP) on Tuesday "urging" its Myanmar counterparts to be "more careful" about its use of force, the RTP's words are far from enough to deal with a junta that has ignored outside calls for a ceasefire and the holding of peaceful dialogue.
The public must be aware that ongoing violence along the Thai-Myanmar border can only worsen if no serious interventions for peace are made.
For Thai villagers living along the border -- who have witnessed on-and-off clashes over the past few decades -- it's the first time they've seen Myanmar military aircraft conducting airstrikes along the borderline. As border clashes escalate, reports of stray bullets and rocket-propelled grenades from across the border have been reported in several districts, while the RTP has suggested to some villagers they build bunkers to keep safe.
As things worsen, the government's reaction leaves much to be desired and it has been criticised for being partisan with the junta.
In March, soldiers were reportedly supplying food to the Myanmar military and turning a blind eye to their belligerent patrolling of the border river. If that's not enough, Foreign Affairs Minister Don Pramudwinai in November secretly visited Nay Pyi Taw where he had secret talks with junta leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. And this month, many were shocked when the RTA let Myanmar forces conduct an air raid near the border.
The government can no longer be a bystander. Instead, it needs to take on the role of peacebuilder.
So far, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has issued comments saying Thailand will follow Asean's five-point consensus including the urging of peace negotiations and a ceasefire. But now, it's time for the government to walk the talk.
Clashes have subsided since Tuesday -- a positive moment that might suggest the possibility of beginning some form of peace negotiations. Having said that, the government must seize the opportunity in playing the mediator role for any ceasefire between the junta and the KNU.
Thailand has of course been affected by Myanmar's political situation. So far, 92,000 Myanmar nationals have sought refuge here from early this year to Dec 1.
On Dec 25 alone, 5,358 villagers from Myanmar crossed the Moei River to seek refuge on Thai soil. The government, subsequently, must provide sufficient humanitarian assistance.
Now the RTF must negotiate with its Myanmar counterparts and declare the border area as a no-fly zone. With the possibility of air attacks, no humanitarian assistance is possible, not to mention a peace process.
It is time for the authorities to open their doors to humanitarian groups so they can play a role in helping those affected by the fighting.
The government must also abide by the United Nations policy of non-refoulment which means refugees will not be sent back to a country in which they are at risk of harm.
Thailand cannot afford to remain idle or let its military relationship influence foreign policy. Myanmar does not only share a 2,401km border with Thailand, both nations and their people are neighbours with a shared history and future.
