Bangkok: General Nattapol Nakphanit, Deputy Minister of Defense, has reiterated that there is no directive for negotiations with Cambodia, emphasizing that national sovereignty and interests remain the top priority. He firmly denied any pressure to conform to external tariffs, such as those from former President Trump, and outlined seven conditions necessary for military negotiations to proceed. The General expressed a lack of trust towards Cambodia and stated that any confrontation would be met with a proportionate response, underscoring Thailand’s commitment to international standards.
According to Thai News Agency, General Nattapol disclosed the details of the Thai-Cambodian situation following his recent trip to Malaysia for talks. In his capacity as Director-General of the Army Operations Department, Chief of Staff of the Army, Secretary-General of the National Security Council, and now Minister of Defense, he assured that he considers all dimensions of the issue. Before his departure to Malaysia, he held discussions with top military officials and confirmed that the agreed-upon time for talks was 6:00 PM the previous day. Despite Cambodia’s significant movements and proposed conditions for a ceasefire, outlined by the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, he accepted Cambodia’s request for midnight talks, albeit with reservations due to the timing.
General Nattapol highlighted the severity of the situation, noting the tragic toll on civilians and soldiers, with 14 civilians dead, 48 injured, and 12 soldiers killed, alongside over 160 injured. He urged the public to consider the human cost, stressing the impact on families and communities. He called for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to condemn Cambodia’s actions, which include targeting civilians and violating international conventions. He emphasized the importance of a cautious approach to avoid further casualties and the necessity of a ceasefire to slow the loss of life.
The General addressed concerns over the ongoing military discussions, noting the complex nature of the ceasefire process. He clarified that the current negotiations were not about immediate withdrawal but required detailed talks involving military leaders. He acknowledged the challenges of achieving a successful resolution and the possibility of renewed conflict if talks fail. Despite skepticism about Cambodia’s commitment to the ceasefire, he expressed a need for verification and accountability.
General Nattapol also responded to political observations regarding the ceasefire negotiations, affirming that military discussions would continue. He emphasized the importance of proportional responses to any aggression, maintaining adherence to international law. He assured that no orders compel him to advance politically, prioritizing national interests and expressing readiness to retire from public life once his mission concludes.
In advising local residents, General Nattapol recommended following instructions from the Ministry of Interior, which, alongside other ministries, would provide care and assess the situation. He apologized for any distress caused by recent events and sought to foster understanding among the public and media regarding the complex situation.