Bangkok: General Kriangkrai Srirak has expressed confidence in the Royal Thai Army’s ability to secure strategically important areas such as Phu Makhuea and Prasat Ta Kwai. These locations are deemed crucial for maintaining a competitive advantage in the ongoing military operations along the Thai-Cambodian border. Despite acknowledging the inevitability of casualties, General Kriangkrai emphasized the need for these sacrifices to not be in vain while expressing optimism about recent Thai-Cambodian negotiations.
According to Thai News Agency, General Kriangkrai, who is the Vice President of the Senate and a former Commander of the Fourth Army Region, recently inspected a blood donation drive. The initiative, organized in collaboration with the Institute of Pathology, Royal Thai Army Medical Department, aims to support victims of the border clashes. While the Thai Red Cross Society continues to accept blood donations, the ongoing military conflict presents significant challenges.
Negotiations between the two nations concluded with a ceasefire agreement; however, the ceasefire has yet to be implemented effectively. In light of this, efforts are ongoing to aid civilians and frontline personnel. A secret meeting was held to discuss and propose solutions to the government concerning the border situation.
General Kriangkrai reiterated his confidence in the Thai military forces, including the Army, Air Force, and Navy, to secure Thai territory. He noted that successful territorial gains would facilitate easier negotiations, although they could lead to casualties. Emphasizing a clear policy against targeting Cambodian civilians, he contrasted this with covert attacks allegedly launched by Cambodia, affecting Thai citizens. He highlighted the strategic importance of Phu Makhuea and Prasat Ta Kwai, stating that their control is vital for advantageous military operations.
The recent Thai-Cambodian negotiations, mediated by Malaysia, were seen as a positive development by General Kriangkrai. He expressed hope for further improvements with the involvement of international stakeholders such as the United States and China. Stressing the importance of negotiations over retaliation, he advocated for a stronger position at the negotiating table, particularly concerning territorial integrity. He insisted on using a precise 1:50,000 scale map and called for a review of MOUs 43 and 44, which might require changes if they conflict with national interests.
General Kriangkrai also addressed the US’s stance on trade negotiations, which are contingent on the resolution of the Thai-Cambodian border dispute. He viewed this as a policy pressure that the government must address, while emphasizing the duty of frontline soldiers to safeguard sovereignty and protect the nation from invasion, ensuring their sacrifices are meaningful.