Bangkok: Gen. Nattapol Nakphanit, Deputy Minister of Defense of Thailand, has publicly criticized Cambodia for not honoring its promise to cease fire, which was facilitated by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Despite the agreement, Cambodia continued its military actions as early as the next morning. Gen. Nattapol emphasized Thailand’s commitment to sincere negotiations due to its concern for civilians and suggested that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs consider legal action against Cambodian leader Hun Sen at the International Criminal Court for war crimes.
According to Thai News Agency, the ongoing conflict on the Thai-Cambodian border persists despite previous coordination efforts by Trump with the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Gen. Nattapol highlighted the suffering inflicted on civilians due to Cambodia’s actions and assured that Thailand remains committed to protecting its sovereignty. He stated that any military actions would adhere strictly to government policies, underscoring the democratic processes that differentiate Thailand from its neighboring country.
The Thai government, led by figures such as Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Vejjayachai, Minister of Foreign Affairs Marist Sengiampong, and Secretary-General to the Prime Minister Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej, is actively monitoring the situation. Gen. Nattapol conveyed that the defense ministry is acting as a liaison between the army and the government, ensuring that military responses align with official policies.
Gen. Nattapol expressed disappointment in Cambodia’s repeated offenses, including a previous incident on June 8, where Cambodia allegedly retreated but left landmines behind. This insincerity in negotiations is troubling for Thailand, which remains focused on the welfare of its border residents. The Thai military remains vigilant, particularly in light of Cambodia’s possession of long-range heavy weaponry, which could lead to widespread consequences.
The proposal to bring Hun Sen before the ICC is under consideration, but Gen. Nattapol stressed that this falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Despite these challenges, Thailand is committed to resolving the conflict through diplomatic channels and maintaining its defense posture without escalating the situation. The ongoing discussions between Thai and Cambodian foreign ministers aim to address the immediate concerns and prevent further civilian casualties.
As the conflict continues, Gen. Nattapol assured that the Royal Thai Police are safeguarding civilian properties, and no casualties have been reported thus far. He reiterated the importance of transparent communication regarding military capabilities and procurement, emphasizing a focus on defense rather than aggression. The Thai army is poised to review its military strategy and equipment needs in light of the current tensions, ensuring that any future actions remain aligned with national security priorities.