THE Thai army denied it is evacuating residents in Surin province in order to launch an attack on Cambodia tonight (Aug. 3) as claimed by Cambodian leader Hun Sen who quoted the Khmer Defence Ministry as saying so, Amarin TV said.
Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvari, the army spokesperson, refuted a rumour circulating on social media quoting Hun Sen as saying a Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesperson had alerted him that there is a high possibility the Thai army may mount an attack on Cambodia tonight.
While Thailand respects the ceasefire, but in doing so is prepared to handle any unexpected situations, the country is not launching an attack on Cambodia tonight just hours before the General Border Committee meeting takes place from tomorrow till Thursday Aug. 7 with observers from US, China and Malaysia also participating, he said.
Hun Sen posted a photo of himself commanding the army with the following message:
“According to a recent statement from the Ministry of Defence spokesperson, it was revealed that there is a high possibility that the Thai army may use force to attack Cambodia tonight.
“Due to this situation, I will not be able to preside over the Senate session tomorrow morning, August 4, regardless of whether there is a clash, as I am required to maintain the joint command of the armed forces 24/7.
“Therefore, the Senate session will proceed under the chairmanship of H.E. Ouk, First Vice President of the Senate.
“Furthermore, I would like to thank and apologise in advance to all those who have sent me birthday messages (Aug. 5), which I have been unable to read or have read but have not responded due to my commitments regarding war and peace, which are matters of life and death for the nation.”
Maj. Gen. Winthai confirmed that this news was untrue with Surin residents not being immediately evacuated.
“The information given by the Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesperson has not been credible in the past. The public is urged to follow official news sources and refrain from believing or sharing false information that could trigger public panic.”
In fact, Thai troops have seen more Cambodian personnel and equipment move to the border area, he added.
CAPTION:
Top and Front Page: Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvari, right, and Cambodian leader Hun Sen, left. Composite photo: Amarin TV
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