Bangkok: Cambodia retreats, clearing Hill 450 at Chong Sangam. "Winthai" reveals the area is clear and not a cause for concern.
According to Thai News Agency, the Thai Army spokesperson revealed that Cambodia agreed to fill in the trenches and remove the barbed wire at Hill 450 in Chong Sangam after Thai objections. He emphasized that negotiations are possible in the area and urged the public to listen to official news reports.
Today, at the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, Major General Winthai Suvari, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, revealed the progress in the case of Cambodian soldiers digging trenches and laying barbed wire fences around Hill 450 in the Chong Sangam area, Phusing District, Sisaket Province, which may have encroached on Thai sovereignty. He stated that the coordination teams from both sides in the area have held discussions, and the Cambodian side has agreed to restore the area to its original condition. This is considered a successful negotiation and a peaceful resolution to the problem.
The spokesperson urged residents in the area, who may be experiencing anxiety and preparing for a potential escalation, to listen to official news sources. Information on social media comes from various sources. He confirmed that local authorities, including administrative and military personnel, are constantly exchanging information, and the situation is not as worrying as the information and opinions circulating on social media suggest.
Regarding the reason for Cambodian soldiers digging trenches in this case, the army spokesperson stated that there was no official report from units on the ground detailing the specifics. However, given the more than 500-kilometer border between Thailand and Cambodia, with small units stationed along it, such incidents could occur, especially during periods of inactivity such as verbal clashes, organized events, or inappropriate behavior. The Thai side must be particularly cautious about areas being improved, trenches being dug, and the installation of obstacles. While Thailand is closely monitoring the situation, they acknowledge that such incidents could happen, but emphasize that cooperation is expected in all cases through dialogue and negotiation.
Whether the Cambodian side's agreement to clear the obstructions and remove the barriers constitutes an acknowledgment that such actions infringe upon Thai sovereignty requires further details from the units on the ground. Currently, the units deployed in the area are aware of the troop deployment lines, but they may have viewed the obstructions as merely security measures. However, since the incident occurred in close proximity, objections were necessary. Nevertheless, the spokesperson affirmed that it is not a cause for concern, as the coordination teams of both sides can resolve the issue.