Stockholm: ‘Maris’ witnessed the purchase of ‘Grippen’ and took the opportunity to reveal evidence to Europe.
According to Thai News Agency, Maris made an official visit to Sweden to witness the purchase of Grippen fighter jets, taking the opportunity to present evidence to Europe, insisting that “peace-loving Thailand” used proportionate force to defend itself and exposing Cambodia’s violation of international law.
Mr. Maris Sngiampong, Minister of Foreign Affairs, gave an interview during his official visit to the Kingdom of Sweden, at the invitation of the Swedish Foreign Minister. The visit was to witness the signing of the purchase of Grippen E/F fighter aircraft for the Royal Thai Air Force with Saab. He will have the opportunity to discuss with the Swedish government about cooperation in the defense industry, and will hold bilateral discussions with Ms. Maria Malmer Steinergaard, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden. He will also use this opportunity to discuss and understand the situation between Thailand and Cambodia.
Mr. Maris revealed that Sweden is another country that places great importance on human rights. Therefore, he would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm that Thailand’s efforts to resolve the Cambodian issue from the outset have focused on bilateral negotiations, avoiding the use of force, and consistently demonstrating a desire to resolve the Thai-Cambodian border issue peacefully and sincerely. He has prepared evidence to present for clarification.
“Our sovereignty and territorial integrity have been violated by Cambodia, forcing us to respond in self-defense, in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, to reassure them that our military action is consistent with our foreign policy. We are a peace-loving country, and we do everything in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter.”
The Foreign Minister reiterated that we are a peace-loving country. Our military operation is limited to weakening Cambodia’s military capabilities and limiting damage. No country has criticized or interfered with the military operation. He will be heading out to explain to all countries that our use of military force is proportionate to reality and is not aimed at destruction. All evidence confirms that Thailand complies with international law, international agreements, and the United Nations Charter.
“The weapons we used confirm that we were acting in self-defense. While Cambodia’s use of weapons for long-range attacks is inconsistent with international law, it is an attack on civilian targets, including the use of anti-personnel bombs. Information warfare operations use public opinion to persuade public attitudes to create misunderstandings, which is something that many countries cannot accept,” said Foreign Minister Maris Sngiampong.