Thailand’s Second Army Region has explained that troops of the Suranaree Task Force set off three firecrackers yesterday to warn Cambodian troops that they were getting too close to the border fence, as they led a group of foreign defense attachés on a tour of O’Smach scam complex, opposite Chong Chom in Kap Choeng district of Surin province.
The Second Army Region has insisted that the Thai troops had strictly complied with the rules of engagement, by warning Cambodian forces to stay away from the border fence to prevent possible friction and undesirable consequences.
The army also said that, after the firecracker warning, Cambodian troops agreed to escort the foreign military attaches away from the border fence, that the Thai border troops had not resorted to the use of firearms and that they have exercised extreme restraint to ensure the safety of all parties concerned.
The army alleged, however, that Cambodian troops stationed at the border have, of late, often resorted to provocative acts, such as riding a motorcycle close to the border fence and revving up its engine at night or showing off their heavy weapons as if they were about to use them.
Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, spokesperson for the Defence Ministry, said that the presence of Cambodian troops close to the border fence constitutes a provocative act, in violation of the Joint Statement signed between Thailand and Cambodia on December 27 last year.
