Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, acting as Prime Minister, recently addressed ongoing tensions at the Thai-Cambodian border, highlighting a complex situation marked by diplomatic maneuvering and misinformation. He expressed regret over the death of a migrant due to stress and the desire to return home, urging a thorough safety assessment before any repatriation efforts. While Thailand has reportedly reclaimed territory, Mr. Phumtham refrained from commenting on the alleged loss of Prasat Ta Kwai, dismissing rumors originating from the Hun family about Cambodian soldier incursions.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phumtham expressed condolences over the deceased migrant and acknowledged the stress faced by residents in evacuation centers. He affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring their safe return home. However, he cast doubt on the reliability of Cambodian statements, citing a history of distorted facts. He emphasized the need for further assessment before any decisions regarding repatriation, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding Cambodia’s actions and their deployment of foreign military attaches.
Mr. Phumtham stressed Thailand’s proactive diplomatic and territorial measures, asserting that the country is no less competitive than Cambodia in international discussions. He emphasized the importance of evidence in backing up Thailand’s position, dismissing rumors about Cambodia’s alleged takeover of the temple, while highlighting Thailand’s strategic success in reclaiming surrounding areas.
When questioned about the situation at the castle grounds, Mr. Phumtham reiterated Thailand’s success but chose not to elaborate to avoid affecting ongoing negotiations. He expressed satisfaction with the preservation of sovereignty and the response to the situation.
In addressing Thai-Cambodian negotiations, Mr. Phumtham acknowledged Malaysia’s role as a mediator, with reports of the Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister meeting representatives from both nations in Shanghai. He noted China’s consistent efforts to maintain peace, along with similar concerns expressed by the ASEAN Chair and the United States. He stressed the importance of listening to Thailand’s perspective, expressing skepticism about Cambodian leaders’ credibility.
Regarding the 18 Cambodian soldiers detained after reportedly crossing the border post-ceasefire, Mr. Phumtham stated that while Thailand initially planned to release them, Cambodia’s claims of kidnapping necessitated a thorough investigation. The legal process is underway to determine the facts and ensure a just resolution.
Regarding reports of hospitals refusing Cambodian patients, Mr. Phumtham expressed unawareness of the situation, attributing it to potential misinformation. He emphasized the need for accurate news filtering, stating that Thailand prioritizes credibility and evidence in its communications, unlike Cambodia, which he claimed often disseminates unverified information.