Second Army Region commander Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang has insisted that the military will not withdraw from the 11 border areas it has successfully secured, despite Cambodia’s demands.
Razor wire has been installed around these sites and troops have been deployed to prevent any unlawful incursions into, what the military considers to be, Thai territory.
“Thai forces remain within Thai territory and have not encroached upon or occupied any area outside the country, in line with the policy of the government and the military,” he claimed.
Thai forces are maintaining the upper hand in Phu Makua, Chong An Ma, Prasat Ta Muen Thom, Prasat Ta Khwai, Chong Bok, Prasat Don Tuan, Sattasom, Chong Chom, Chong Sai Taku, Preah Vihear and Phlan Yao.
Cambodia’s Defence Ministry has demanded that the Thai army retreat from Chong An Ma, as it is, they claim, on its soil.
Boonsin added that yesterday five unarmed Cambodian soldiers attempted to cut the barbed wire fence, erected up by the Thai Army at Chong An Ma, but they agreed to retreat after a discussion with Thai troops stationed there.
Boonsin recently visited the Phu Makheu hill, where Cambodian troops had constructed a makeshift cable car, to oversee the replacement of the old Thai national flag with a new one.
Asked about the ongoing Thai-Cambodian special General Border Committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur, aimed at easing tensions, Boonsin said he hopes that the talks will produce a favourable outcome for both countries.
