THE Thai army said today (May 14) that Cambodian troops have been unleashing small arms fire daily along the 400-kilometre border in an attempt to provoke Thai soldiers to respond then turn it into an international issue in their propaganda warfare, Naewna newspaper said.
Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvari, the Thai Army spokesperson, said Khmer troops today fired 11 rounds along O’Smach area, opposite Chong Chom border crossing in Kab Choeng district, Surin province.
Cambodia’s high-ranking commanders, including the government, often say one thing but their action on the ground contradicts it.
“Several incidents of this nature occurred earlier this year and we are certain this is not the first time but rather they have occurred continuously along the entire 400-kilometre Thai-Cambodian border. Forces in the area have been reporting information to us constantly,” said the Thai Army spokesperson.
The main cause is assessed as a lack of discipline among Cambodian soldiers. At the same time, in some cases, there is a deliberate attempt to provoke Thailand into retaliating with weapons, before escalating the exchange then accusing Thailand of initiating the conflict.
Sometimes the Cambodians bring foreign individuals or media, especially influencers, close to restricted areas. When Thai soldiers fire warning shots as per procedure, they then disseminate images or information claiming that Thailand initiated the conflict. The Thai Army is aware of and understands these tactics.
The Thai Army spokesperson stated that, overall, Cambodia continues to prioritise a “battle of information” over actual military confrontation. This is evident in every incident where Cambodian military leaders or spokespersons quickly deny the facts, with this reflecting problems in communication and the chain of command at policy level and operational units on the ground.
Regarding Thailand’s response, Maj. Gen. Winthai said that if weapons are fired into Thai territory, Thailand is ready to retaliate immediately, depending on the discretion of the responsible units in each area, as the context and relationship on the ground vary.
He underscored that the shootings are provocative and do not affect the safety of people living along the border who were urged to only heed warnings issued by official channels and if none is given they can continue living normally.
CAPTION:
Top and Front Page – Thai troops guarding the border with Cambodia. Photos – PPTVHD36
Insert – Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvari. Photo – Amarin TV
Also read:
Thaksin tipped to express points of view sooner than later
Thaksin stronger, not retiring from politics: Academic
Nominee land titles seize in Koh Phangan sweep
Audio clip on border opening is fake: PM
1.3 billion baht in govt budget okayed to buy World Cup broadcasting rights
Plea against 400 billion baht borrowed funding decree lodged to Constitutional Court
Veteran US journalist laments the Lost Horizons of Asia and America
Foreign Ministry taps Young Gen Thai- Muslim talent to build peace tourism
As global military spending grows, Travel & Tourism faces a perilous future
