THE border area in Sisaket province is tense today (Feb. 5) after Cambodian troops fired a 40mm grenade to the Thai side which their commanders explained occurred through a lapse in discipline by their troops and they have been warned, Amarin TV said this afternoon.
The Second Army Region said they had coordinated with Khmer commanders about the grenade landing near a Thai operational base at 10.18 a.m. and were told that the incident occurred because new troops who were moved to this area erred and they have been warned.
Meanwhile, reporters at a border village in Saothongchai subdistrict, Kantaralak district, said villagers were not evacuated after the incident with no orders being issued. Most villagers are continuing their lives as normal, but are closely monitoring the news amid concern about potential unrest.
Mr. Sakchai Thaokham, a local resident, said he was extremely displeased with Khmer soldiers firing a grenade at the Thai operational base and felt it would be best for both countries to coexist.
However he felt that Thai troops should have retaliated to show that Thais love their country, uphold democracy and never initiated aggression. Khmers should be given a lesson but not to the point of taking lives.
If there is to be another round of fighting this should be after Thailand’s Feb. 8 election is over, he said, adding Cambodia should allow Thailand to vote first and if they do not do so then they lack ethics and morality.
Meanwhile Maj. Gen. Winthai Suwaree, an army spokesperson, said Thai and foreign media were taken to Ban Nong Ya Kaeo village in Sa Kaeo province to see the results of the military operation to reclaim this Thai territory where Cambodian citizens had previously built houses with a total of 42 residences and six sheds having been demolished.
Col. Chainarong Kasi, commander of the Aranyaprathet Task Force, said reclaiming this village was a difficult operation despite not being very large, just 270 metres long and 350 metres wide. Even after initially reclaiming it, Thai troops could not remain there due to heavy shelling by Cambodians so had to withdraw to stronger positions.
Ultimately Thais soldiers were able to control the area and enforce security with a barbed wire fence erected, shipping containers placed and three trenches dug. Tanks have also been deployed and additional roads dug.
“Currently, we are ready for future missions. If there’s a third clash, or any further clashes, we are prepared,” Col. Chainarong said.
Cambodians have been trying to enter the area, claiming they wanted to get belongings from some houses, but were apprehended and handed over to the police for prosecution.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page – Mr. Sakchai Thaokham, left, and his village near the border, right.
First insert – Col. Chainarong Kasi.
Second insert – A container and some tyres placed at Ban Nong Ya Kaeo village. All photos – Amarin TV
Also read:
People’s has ‘invisible’ potential to win 200 MP seats: Thammasat academic
Bhumjaithai ‘most prepared’ to become core of post-election govt: Thammanat
Pitutecha family divided in Rayong’s constituency-based tug of war
People’s needs 30 more MP seats than archrival party: Thanathorn
People’s, Bhumjaithai, Pheu Thai tipped to sweep 400 MP seats combined
People’s launches roving campaign in all regions
People’s most popular, Nattapong most favourite for PM: Rajabhat Poll
Democrats tipped to get nearly 40 MP seats, mostly from southern constituencies
Anutin promises to build a wall in Ubon to keep out Khmer intruders
Klatham to emerge as third largest party, not fourth: Thammanat
Pheu Thai launches nine-millionaires-a-day campaign
Four ex-MPs vie against one another in Lopburi constituency
‘Big House’ contestants battle against each other in Chachoengsao
