Bangkok: The Royal Thai Army has accused Cambodia of intentionally damaging Thailand’s image, highlighting the need for a carefully considered response to the ongoing tensions.
According to Thai News Agency, Army spokesman Major General Winthai Suvari addressed the situation on the Thai-Cambodian border, revealing that Cambodia is allegedly preparing forces in critical areas along the border and violating the ceasefire agreement. He mentioned activities such as laying mines, provocative weapon use, force demonstrations, and reconnaissance using drones. These actions, as per the Army, are aimed at provoking armed retaliation from Thailand and collecting evidence to misrepresent the situation to the public, portraying Cambodia as the victim and Thailand as the aggressor.
The Royal Thai Army believes these activities are intended to damage Thailand’s image on the international stage. Therefore, the Army emphasizes a cautious military response to avoid being manipulated into distorting the truth. Major General Suvari stressed the importance of integrating political, diplomatic, and systematic communication measures to safeguard national sovereignty, beyond relying solely on military force.
The Army assures that it is coordinating closely with relevant agencies, including the public sector, to ensure operations align with international standards. Observers have noted Cambodia’s shift towards public communication, painting itself as a victim, which Thailand plans to counter with facts.
The Royal Thai Army reassures the public that the First and Second Army Regions maintain high vigilance and readiness both for frontline military operations and civilian safety. Officials are prepared to respond swiftly to any unusual situations.
Lastly, the Army urges the public to be cautious about reacting to news that may prompt hasty military actions. They emphasize the need for thoroughly considered operations, cautioning that premature actions could adversely affect the final resolution of the situation.