Dr Warong Dechgitvigrom, Thai Pakdee Party Leader, called on the Chinese Embassy in Thailand today to explain how Chinese-made guided antitank missiles have ended up in the hands of Cambodian troops.
He referred to the long-standing close relationship between Thailand and China and the Chinese invasion of northern Vietnam in 1979, to relieve the pressure on Thailand by Vietnamese forces in Cambodia, and the recent visit to China of Their Majesties the King and Queen, which has further cemented the relations between the two countries.
He pointed out, however, that the presence of the GAM-102LR anti-tank missiles, which were seized by Thai troops from retreating Cambodian soldiers after the capture of the Cambodian base at Mount 500 at Chong An Ma in Ubon Ratchathani province, is a matter of serious concern for Thailand and the Thai people want an explanation from the Chinese government.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok released a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry today, expressing concern and regret for the loss of lives of the people of Thailand and Cambodia as a result of the current armed conflict.
The statement said that the most important mission now is a ceasefire between the two countries, adding that, since the outbreak of the armed conflict, China has been trying to communicate with Thailand and Cambodia through various channels and at different levels, in order to bring the two sides together for talks and to support the ASEAN mediation efforts, particularly the role of Malaysia.
The statement further said that China will continue to do its best to mediate in the conflict and to promote peace talks between Thailand and Cambodia.
