Bangkok: General Natthapol has addressed the ongoing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, following claims by Cambodia that its soldiers were kidnapped by Thai forces.
According to Thai News Agency, General Natthapol clarified that the Cambodian soldiers are currently in Thailand but are being treated well and are not being detained under hostile conditions. The situation arose after Cambodia accused Thailand of kidnapping its soldiers, prompting General Natthapol to gather evidence and prepare to send a military attach© delegation to the disputed area.
General Natthapol, who also serves as the Deputy Defense Minister, presided over a meeting where he addressed Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s demand for the release of the soldiers. He emphasized that the soldiers had been provided with proper care, including medical attention, and would be repatriated to Cambodia once the situation was clarified. However, the accusations of kidnapping have complicated the matter, leading to a need for Thailand to defend its actions on an international platform. General Natthapol highlighted the importance of ensuring that Cambodia ceases fire, as any incident could hold Thailand accountable.
He further noted that the presence of a military attach© in the area would signal confidence in a ceasefire, but expressed uncertainty over Cambodia’s commitment to it. Despite the absence of clashes the previous night, General Natthapol remained cautious about trusting Cambodia’s intentions fully. He assured that the Royal Thai Army is coordinating with foreign military attaches to ensure safety and transparency in the process.
General Natthapol also addressed rumors regarding the capture of Ta Kwai Temple by Cambodian forces, labeling them as distortions and misrepresentations. He urged the Thai media to counter these claims effectively, emphasizing the need for unity in responding to Cambodia’s accusations. He expressed gratitude to the media for their input and requested their support in presenting factual information to the public.
Highlighting a commitment to transparency, General Natthapol stated that efforts would be made to provide clarifications in multiple languages, including Thai, English, and Chinese. He acknowledged the criticism faced by the CCSA and expressed a willingness to work with various departments to improve communication and address the situation effectively. General Natthapol concluded by inviting other departments, such as the Ministry of Public Health, to participate in press briefings to provide a comprehensive view of the situation to the public and the international community.