Surin: On the third day, the field visit of the temporary observer team or IOT from 8 countries visited Cambodian prisoners of war who were being held in Surin Province and went to Phanom Dong Rak Hospital. Today is the last day that the Thai Army will lead a team of temporary observers, or IOTs, from 8 countries, along with Thai and foreign media, to the Thai-Cambodian border to investigate the facts of Cambodia's ceasefire violations. Today, they will be in Surin Province, after the past two days in Ubon Ratchathani and Sisaket Provinces.
According to Thai News Agency, the first stop was to inspect the prisoner-of-war holding facility to confirm that Thailand's treatment complies with international humanitarian principles and the Geneva Conventions, including food, medical care, and the protection of basic rights. Media were not permitted to enter the facility to film news.
The second point was to visit the Phnom Dong Rak Hospital, Commemorating His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday, to investigate the impact of the Cambodian BM-21 rocket attack. This was a clear violation of international humanitarian law, as it targeted civilians and medical facilities. The hospital was forced to close on July 24th, and only recently reopened to patients. Three BM-21 shells landed on the hospital grounds. The first one was near the flagpole in front of the hospital. The second one damaged the Psychiatric and Drug Addiction Unit building, and the third one fell behind the staff flats. Shrapnel damaged several rooms, and the hospital is currently unable to accommodate staff. The hospital is seeking additional accommodations for staff.
The IOT team will then visit the Ban Non Mayang area to observe the destruction of unexploded ordnance before heading to Chong Chuptamoek, near Ta Muen Thom Temple, to investigate the incident of Thai rangers stepping on a landmine on August 12th. This incident occurred after a ceasefire agreement was reached, highlighting the continued violations of the agreement by Cambodia.
This field visit aims to provide international observers with accurate, complete, and objective information on the ground, as well as to shed light on Cambodia's ceasefire violations, which have a direct impact on border security and innocent civilians.
The Royal Thai Army reaffirms its commitment to upholding the ceasefire agreement, adhering to international humanitarian law, and resolving border disputes peacefully. However, it will not tolerate any violations of the territorial integrity and safety of the Thai people.