Bangkok: “Sergeant Bird” has raised concerns about Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet’s dual roles in the military and politics, questioning whether he is abandoning his military career for a political one. Colonel Bird expressed worries about Hun Manet’s priorities, suggesting that he is overlooking the importance of innocent lives. He refrained from predicting the outcome of ceasefire negotiations, stating that while the army is ready to follow orders, it maintains the right to self-defense. He also criticized the credibility of the Cambodian Defense Ministry’s spokesman, accusing him of disseminating false information.
According to Thai News Agency, Maj. Gen. Vanchana Sawasdee, Director of the Office of Security Coordination with ISOC, Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, addressed these concerns in an interview following a television program. He questioned Hun Manet’s commitment to his military role, accusing him of using long-range weapons against innocent Thai citizens. Maj. Gen. Vanchana questioned Hun Manet’s humanity, recalling his education at a prestigious international school and questioning his actions as a fellow soldier.
The meeting between the Cambodian leader and the acting Thai Prime Minister focused on the possibility of a ceasefire, but Maj. Gen. Vanchana stated that predicting the outcome was beyond military decisions and required state-to-state negotiations. He emphasized the army’s readiness to comply with government orders while reserving the right to self-defense if necessary.
Maj. Gen. Vanchana also addressed misinformation regarding chemical weapon usage, criticizing the Cambodian Ministry of Defense spokesperson for spreading falsehoods and damaging credibility. He urged Thai citizens to rely on credible news sources and called for balanced reporting by international news agencies. He highlighted past false claims and accused Cambodia of initiating the conflict with Thailand.
In his remarks, Maj. Gen. Vanchana mentioned the UN’s response to Cambodia’s urgent request, noting that the UN encouraged discussions between the two countries, indicating doubts about Cambodia’s credibility. He stressed the importance of continued monitoring of the situation and future military operations.
Maj. Gen. Vanchana conveyed a message to the younger generation, emphasizing that the current conflict is not a civil dispute and that friendly relations between Thais and Cambodians remain strong. He urged them not to be swayed by Cambodian incitement and expressed hope for improved border negotiations and interactions in the future.