Surin: Region 2 Army Commander, Lt. Gen. Boonsin Phadklang, has dismissed reports suggesting that Cambodia solicited Thailand’s assistance to neutralize a bomb at the Prasat Ta Kwai. He urged the public to rely on verified information from mainstream media and avoid falling prey to misinformation.
According to Thai News Agency, Lt. Gen. Phadklang addressed the recent General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, held on August 7th, highlighting that both nations had agreed to a ceasefire. He stated that Cambodian forces were allowed to retrieve injured and deceased personnel. Emphasizing cooperation, Lt. Gen. Phadklang assured that arrangements would be made for transporting soldiers, especially from Cambodia, for necessary medical attention. He appealed for adherence to the ceasefire agreement and discouraged any form of violence.
In response to allegations from Lt. Gen. Malee Socheata, spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of Defense, about Thailand violating the agreement, Lt. Gen. Phadklang clarified that conflicts occurred prior to the agreement. He affirmed that operations were conducted within the established border and ceasefire guidelines, negating any claims of territorial intrusion by Thailand.
Addressing inquiries about the enforcement of the drone ban, Lt. Gen. Phadklang confirmed coordinated actions with provincial authorities to curb unauthorized drone operations. He revealed that several offenders had been detained and were undergoing comprehensive investigations. He stressed the importance of legal proceedings against violators and cautioned against accepting unverified claims.
Lt. Gen. Phadklang reiterated the collective responsibility of provincial administrations to safeguard critical installations across the nation. He encouraged public vigilance and the utilization of advanced technology to enhance national security measures.
When questioned about reliable news sources, Lt. Gen. Phadklang advised the public to consult official military and government channels for accurate updates. He recommended following platforms managed by the Ministry of Defense, the Royal Thai Army, and the Second Army Area Forward Command in Surin Province for consistent information.
Addressing the specific rumor about Cambodian soldiers requesting Thai assistance for bomb defusal at Wat Ta Kwai, Lt. Gen. Phadklang categorically denied the report, labeling it as false. He urged the public to exercise caution with news consumption and emphasized reliance on official military communications. Despite the pressures of his responsibilities, he committed to maintaining transparency and regularly reporting to his superiors.