THE THAI army said today (Aug. 24) that it is monitoring bilateral agreements signed with Cambodia following five-day clashes along the border as there are doubts the neighbouring country would concretely implement them as they have violated hundreds of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) over the past 10 years, Naewna newspaper said.
Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvari, the army spokesperson, said there are concerns that bilateral meetings at various levels documented in agreements are but to maintain a good international image and may not yield tangible results.
Over the past decade Cambodia has violated hundreds of MoUs and most recently it failed to comply with the ceasefire agreement, particularly by planting landmines and distorting information to harm the Thai side.
“Going forward, it remains to be seen whether the agreements in principle can be put into practice,” he said.
This followed Cambodian news agency Fresh News quoting the Lt. Gen. Malee Sogeata, spokesperson of Cambodia’s Defence Ministry, as saying that her country remains committed to strictly adhering to the ceasefire agreement and has made tangible progress following the General Border Committee meeting, reflecting the shared commitment to maintaining peace.
She also urged Thailand to quickly repatriate 18 Cambodian prisoners of war, alleging that the Thai military had unlawfully arrested them.
However, Maj. Gen. Winthai countered by pointing out that Thailand’s actions were lawful and in accordance with international humanitarian principles. Furthermore, the International Committee of the Red Cross has already visited the 18 Cambodian prisoners of war, thus eliminating any concerns.
He also underscored that Thailand is committed to cooperating with Asean member states, allies and relevant international organisations in strictly complying with the ceasefire agreement. The country is adhering to the principles of peaceful resolution within the framework of international law, the United Nations Charter and the Asean Charter, which Thailand has consistently upheld and implemented, even before the recent tensions.
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Top and Front Page: Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvari. Photos: Thai Rath
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