Bangkok: "Big Lek" has firmly denied issuing a ceasefire order during the initial day of the Thai-Cambodian clashes. He clarified that his conversation with the Army Commander revealed that no such directive had been issued. Additionally, he refuted claims that "Phumtham" had directed the ceasefire through him, stating unequivocally, "I was not present at the event." He also mentioned that "Big Kung" expressed intentions of taking revenge on Cambodia before his retirement and supported the completion of these actions prior to stepping down.
According to Thai News Agency, Defense Minister General Nattapol Nakphanit addressed the situation involving Lt. Gen. Boonsin Phadklang, an advisor to the Army Commander and former Second Army Region commander. Lt. Gen. Boonsin had previously disclosed that a ceasefire order was issued on July 24th, following a six-hour conflict between Thai and Cambodian forces. General Nattapol asserted, "I confirm that I did not order the first day of ceasefire. The first day refers to the July 24th fighting. I gave no orders at all, but merely monitored the situation. I remember telling the media that I had delegated authority to the military command, headed by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces."
When pressed about the origins of the ceasefire order, General Natthapol admitted uncertainty, suggesting that inquiries should be directed to Lt. Gen. Boonsin. He emphasized that there was no pressure regarding the current situation and expressed ignorance about any potential negative impact on the country, recommending that Lt. Gen. Boonsin be questioned on his statements.
General Nattapol further explained that before Lt. Gen. Boonsin's retirement around September 20th, he suspected involvement from the National Defense College. He recounted a meeting with Lt. Gen. Boonsin, the Army Commander-in-Chief, and the Army Chief of Staff, during which Lt. Gen. Boonsin repeatedly expressed his desire for the mission's completion before retirement. However, General Nattapol noted that no incidents occurred following Lt. Gen. Boonsin's retirement.
In response to inquiries about Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, who was acting prime minister at the time, and whether he had issued orders through General Natthapol, the Defense Minister reaffirmed, "I was not present at the event."