Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang made the comment yesterday as Thai government and security authorities finalised a proposal to put before the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in Kuala Lumpur, reports the Bangkok Post.
He expressed hope that today’s meeting, to be attended by the defence ministers of both countries, would produce an agreement to maintain peace, but said the army stands firm in its decision to hold its positions.
Thai forces remain stationed in areas including Chong Aan Mah in Ubon Ratchathani and Phu Makua in Si Sa Ket, said Lt Gen Boonsin, who is responsible for the northeastern region.
These areas are within Thai sovereign territory. “We will not retreat. Barbed wire fences and troops have been deployed to prevent incursions,” he said.
“We’re within Thai territory and aren’t encroaching on any foreign land,” he said when asked about Cambodia’s call for troop withdrawal from Chong Aan Mah.
Eight-point plan
On the political front, the Cabinet and the National Security Council (NSC) yesterday reached a preliminary agreement on an eight-point plan discussed by the GBC earlier this week.
Officials from Thailand and Cambodia have been in the Malaysian capital since Monday working on a proposal for the countries’ defence ministers to discuss, and possibly sign, today.
The talks today will be observed by representatives from China, the United States and Malaysia in its capacity as the chair of ASEAN.
The Thai delegation will be led by Deputy Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit. He is serving as acting defence minister as the top post was not filled in the last Cabinet reshuffle.
The proposal includes a mutual ceasefire in disputed zones; civilian protection; no increase in troop numbers or armaments; a freeze on movements of stationed troops; arrangements for the injured or bodies; a joint coordination team; adjustments to deployments; and formalisation of policy if agreements are adopted.
Speaking before the NSC meeting yesterday, Gen Nattaphon said a consensus was reached on the proposal but details would be clarified later.
When asked about ceasefire violations by Cambodian forces, he said Cambodia appeared sincere in its intention to uphold the ceasefire as shown in the preliminary agreement reached in Kuala Lumpur at the secretary-general level.
“The next level will be on Thursday when the defence ministers from both sides meet,” he said. “That meeting will test Cambodia’s sincerity at the ministerial level. The final and most important level is the implementation - whether Cambodia will truly adhere to what has been agreed.”
The GBC meeting will also focus on the sustainability of the ceasefire agreement, while other issues including compensation for civilian damages and territory claims would be addressed at the Joint Border Commission (JBC).
No troop buildup
Rear Adm Surasant Kongsiri, spokesman for the Ad Hoc Centre on the Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation, said the overall border situation remained calm, with some military posts being reinforced but no troop buildup.
However, increased drone activity was detected.
A nationwide ban on civilian drone flights remains in effect until Aug 15, though authorities may relax restrictions for agricultural drones.
No clashes had occurred following an incident in which Cambodian forces attempted to cut through Thai barbed wire at Chong Aan Mah, and the barriers had since been restored, said Rear Adm Surasant.
Maratee Nalita Andamo, deputy spokeswowan of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the ministry would brief Thai ambassadors and diplomats abroad on Thursday via a virtual meeting on its stance.
Donations to provide aid along border pass B100mn
Meanwhile, more than B100 million has been donated to the government to support residents affected along the Thai–Cambodian border.
Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, currently serving as acting prime minister, recently presided over a donation ceremony at Government House yesterday.
The donations, made by private organisations through the Office of the Prime Minister’s disaster relief fund, will go toward assisting those affected by unrest along the border.
Several private organisations and agencies contributed funds and supplies.
Notably, Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Co Ltd (BTS) donated B50mn, while the Reignwood Foundation (Thailand) contributed B2.57mn in cash, medical equipment and daily necessities.
Additionally, the Tio Chew Association of Thailand, along with several other Chinese associations in the country, donated B2.49mn.
After donating B50mn to the government, BTS chairman Keeree Kanjanapas said the BTS would donate an additional B50mn today to the Royal Thai Army (RTA), the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), and the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF).
These funds will support military personnel injured, disabled, or killed during the conflict, as well as their families.
Mr Keeree expressed deep condolences and admiration for the bravery and sacrifice of Thai soldiers stationed on the frontlines.
“I’m well aware that making donations is only a small act of sacrifice and cannot compare to the losses suffered by our military personnel or the hardships faced by our fellow Thais living along the border,” he said.
“Therefore, I encourage the public and all organisations to make contributions - whether in goods or financial support - to boost the morale of those serving on the frontlines.”