DEFENCE Minister Gen. Nattapol Nakphanit denied he was the one who ordered former Second Army Region Commander to ceasefire just six hours after the border battle broke out on July 24 with a truce being agreed upon on July 28, MNG Online said yesterday (Nov. 9).
Lt. Gen. Boonsin Phadklang, adviser to Thai Army Commander and former commander of Second Army Region, said during a special lecture he gave at Pathom Asoke Buddhist Sanctuary in Nakhon Pathom province over the weekend that just six hours after fighting broke out a superior called and ordered a ceasefire.
However Lt. Gen. Boonsin, nicknamed Big Kung, refused because the fighting had already started and he wanted to reclaim Thai territory.
He pointed out that if he stopped the fighting he would have to reveal who ordered the ceasefire and that person would face the death penalty.
Later Gen. Nattapol, nicknamed Big Lek, who was both Acting and Deputy Defence Minister at the time, clarified that he did not know who ordered a ceasefire.
“But I never called to give that order because at that time, we understood the situation well and knew that decisive action was necessary. We supported him, as those at the rear, to take full action and finish it. We never obstructed or ordered a ceasefire.
“On the contrary, later I even supported General Kung to reclaim Prasat Ta Kwai (ancient temple) before his retirement. At that time, the Army Commander was present, but while the army was working on the right moment to do so in the end, the situation didn’t allow it.
“Therefore, now I am determined to reclaim Prasat Ta Kwai, no matter by what means. But as I said, we must first try peaceful means, whether through negotiations or border demarcation. But if that fails, I will not reject the use of force,” Gen. Nattapol said.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page – Defence Minister Gen. Nattapol Nakphanit. Photo – MGN Online
Insert – Lt. Gen. Boonsin Phadklang. Photo – Amarin TV
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