THE Thai army is investigating whether the fire which gutted Trimuk Pavilion, built by Thai, Lao and Cambodian soldiers at the Emerald Triangle bordering the three countries over 30 years ago, was a natural disaster or arson, Naewna newspaper said today (March 5).
Maj. Gen. Thanathip Sawangsaeng, spokesman for the Defence Ministry, said this fire which gutted the pavilion with the Thai side located along the border at Ubon Ratchathani has to be investigated to determine the cause.
On March 1 Suranaree Force got a report from the Cambodian military that a fire which raced through some Cambodian citizens’ houses reached Trimuk Pavilion, on the side that Cambodia is responsible for, causing the pavilion to be completely burnt down.
Thai and Cambodian soldiers have inspected the gutted pavilion which was built in 1991 when the 2nd Army Region was led by Lt. Gen. Issarapong Noonpakdee as a coordination point for the three countries,
Deputy Prime Minister/Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is aware of this matter and ordered the army to inspect and find out the details of the fire while emphasising to be careful in dealing with neighbouring countries and that the issue should be closed if discussions are held.
At the informal Asean Defence Ministers meeting, Thailand and Cambodia bilaterally discussed border conflicts with both countries clearly confirming that negotiations will be held if any issue arises to create unity. The two countries’ armed forces will seek mutual benefits by sharing information especially about call centre gangs and gambling.
”As for suspicion that Cambodian soldiers burnt the pavilion, what is the truth? Currently officers have gone and inspected it together and we have to look at the details to see whether it is true or not.
“We probably can’t make a clear statement because everything has to end with negotiations. If there are violations then we have to ask that nothing more than this be done because this is a minor matter.
“The bigger issue is bringing those tricked by call-centre gangs at Poipet back to the Thai side, that’s the big issue,” he said,
Asked about a video clip showing Cambodian soldiers cutting barbed wire which Thai soldiers had put up along the border, Maj. Gen. Thanathip said this will be raised at the General Border Committee meeting on March 7.
CAPTION:
Top: Maj. Gen. Thanathip Sawangsaeng and the three-nation pavilion before it was burnt down. Photo: Naewna
Front Page: Deputy Prime Minister/Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and the gutted pavilion. Photo: Amarin TV
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