Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Nakpanich said today that the 18 Cambodian PoWs, currently being held in the Thai Army’s custody, will be released on November 12, but only when Cambodia fully complies with the withdrawal of heavy weaponry from border areas and fully cooperates in mine clearance.
“If, by November 13, all the multi-rocket system and the long-range artillery pieces are not withdrawn, as agreed in the First Phase, we will not release them (the PoWs). Or, if we cannot enter the areas as agreed to clear the mines, we will not release them,” Gen Nattaphon was quoted to have said.
The defence minister pointed out that the November 12th timeline for the release of the PoWs originated from Cambodia, but he made clear that only when these two pre-conditions are fulfilled by Cambodia would they be set free.
Regarding the demining efforts, he said that Cambodia has only allowed the Thai demining team to clear landmines in five areas, adding that it is yet to be seen whether Cambodia will keep its promise.
If everything proceeds as promised, he hopes that mine clearance operations in the five areas will be completed by November 17th, after which demarcation markers will be erected.
Regarding the Ta Kwai ancient temple, in Surin’s Phanom Dong Rak district, which is claimed by Thailand, General Nattaphon said that the issue will be raised for discussion with Cambodia only after the four original preconditions, plus another condition related to the building of the border fence, are implemented.
He noted that the issues regarding the Ta Kwai ruins and the Kana ancient temple have remained unresolved for about 15 years, adding that, for now, they can wait until the other issues are resolved.
On the reopening of border checkpoints with Cambodia, which have remained closed since the armed border conflict in late July, he reaffirmed that the checkpoints will not be reopened until all Thailand’s preconditions are implemented.
