Bangkok: The Thai military spokesman explained that due to humanitarian principles, the Cambodians could not be immediately pushed back. A Thai military spokesman clarified that due to humanitarian principles, the Cambodian people cannot be immediately expelled from Ban Nong Ya Kaew. Meanwhile, a deputy spokesman for the Royal Thai Navy confirmed that the casino encroachment on Trat Province is being monitored to ensure the Cambodian side quickly dismantles the area and returns it to its original condition.
According to Thai News Agency, Major General Witai Laithomya, spokesman for the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, addressed the pushback against Cambodia from Thai sovereign territory in Khok Sung District, Sa Kaeo Province. He stated that the area Cambodia is attempting to claim is definitely Thai sovereign territory. Cambodia cannot reject or accept the boundary marking certification document signed in 2016, as it was already endorsed at the Joint Commission for Border Control (JBC) meeting on June 14th. Although the 42nd border marker has not been finalized, the difference between the line claimed by Thailand and Cambodia is only 80 meters. However, the area where Cambodians have been entrenched and refused to leave the border crossing is entirely Thai territory. The reason for the inability to immediately push back is due to humanitarian reasons. Neither the Cambodians nor the use of force to push back the Cambodians is possible until martial law is declared or violence occurs, requiring the use of fo
rce to control and reclaim the area.
Rear Admiral Surasan Kongsiri, the Ministry of Defense spokesman, stated that he has given local officials full authority to take legal action. When asked by reporters how long they would be required to remain restrained, the spokesman said that as long as the actions are not illegal, they must remain restrained. However, if Thai law is violated, action can be taken immediately, from light to heavy. Regarding reports of a clash in the Surin border area a few hours ago, he has not yet received any reports on the type of weapons involved, but confirmed that no clashes took place.
Regarding the observation that there were provocations from the Cambodian side and the IOT committee visited the area around the same time, the Ministry of Defense spokesperson stated that it was unlikely to be a meeting between Cambodia and the IOT team, but rather a coincidence. The IOT team must have a timeframe and various procedures before going to the area. The Malaysian representative also stated that the Thai side has strictly adhered to international standards, so he believes there should not have been a meeting. The focus will continue on observing Cambodia’s sincerity in complying with the agreement and whether there is any attempt to control subordinates at the local level.
Regarding reports that Cambodian forces have intruded on Thai-claimed territory in Trat Province, totaling 17 locations, including a casino building near the Ban Tha Sen checkpoint in Laem Klat subdistrict, Mueang district, Trat province, Rear Admiral Parat Rattanachaiphan, deputy spokesman for the Royal Thai Navy, stated that the building was initially found unoccupied and confirmed that Thailand has not been indifferent and has sent a protest letter to Cambodia, in accordance with the relevant procedures. Currently, the progress of the remedial action is being closely monitored, with Cambodia tasked with demolishing the structures and restoring the area to its original condition as quickly as possible.