The Thai army condemned Cambodia today for deliberately violating the recent ceasefire agreement, when its troops launched attacks against Thai troops at Phu Makua and Sam Tae in Si Sa Ket province.
Both side’s guns fell silent on all battle fronts when the ceasefire, brokered by Malaysia, came into effect at midnight last night, but fighting intensified at Phu Phee, Ta Muen Thom and Kwai ancient temples just ten minutes before the deadline, with both sides exchanging artillery fire, while Thai Air Force F-16 fighter jets bombed Cambodian troop positions in support of Thai ground forces.
Maj-Gen Winthai Suvaree, spokesman for the Thai army, told the media today that the Thai forces have strictly adhered to the agreement and ceased firing at midnight.
He said that it is regrettable that Cambodia continued to attack Thai army positions at several locations after the ceasefire came into effect, adding that this deliberate violation has undermined mutual trust and, therefore, deserves to be condemned.
As such, Winthai said Thailand is justified in responding in kind, while insisting that Thai troops have not invaded Cambodian territory, but simply took action to defend Thai territorial sovereignty, within the framework of international law.
Meanwhile, Maj-Gen Vithai Laithomya, spokesperson for the Thai armed forces, accused Cambodia of being a security threat to the region and the world.
“We stopped, but they didn’t…. The world must acknowledge that Cambodia has continuously violated agreements and they are the ones who have not respected international rules and international agreements,” said Vithai.
He urged the international community to reject Cambodia’s conduct and to stand up in the defence of justice and the international rule of law.
Suspended Prime Minister and Culture Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said today that she was not surprised by Cambodia’s breach of the ceasefire agreement, as she accused Cambodia of not behaving like gentlemen in keeping promises.
She added that she will consult Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai about the appropriate response.
