The National Security Council (NSC) has resolved to suspend all its commitments and activities related to the joint declaration relating to the between dispute Thailand and Cambodia, and the release of 18 Cambodian PoWs. The move is in response to the landmine explosion near the border in Si Sa Ket province yesterday, which injured four Thai soldiers, including one who has lost the lower part of his right leg.
Emerging from the meeting, which he chaired, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told the media that he will disclose all the details of the NSC meeting, including measures to deal with Cambodia’s provocative actions.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Nakpanich said that the landmine explosion on Thai soil is a threat to Thai sovereignty and the injuries caused to Thai soldiers by such weapons are unacceptable.
He said that the NSC had given the military full authority to respond to Cambodian provocations as it deems appropriate.
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said that he has already spoken with his Cambodian counterpart about the landmine incident and will lodge a formal protest note with the Cambodian government, under the terms of the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines.
He said that Thailand will inform the United States and Malaysia, which facilitated and witnessed the signing of the declaration in Kuala Lumpur last month, and will brief the international community about the latest incident.
In response to Cambodia’s statement about the situation, Sihasak said that it is insufficient to ensure that similar provocations will not be committed by Cambodia.
