Bangkok: "Big Lek" (General Apirat Kongsompong) declined to comment on whether the daily forest fires by Cambodian soldiers constituted provocation against Thailand, but nodded in agreement that the army is always prepared.
According to Thai News Agency, General Natthaphol Nakpanich, Minister of Defence, arrived at the Cabinet meeting. Reporters attempted to question him about the daily burning of forests by Cambodian soldiers along the Thai-Cambodian border in Sisaket and Ubon Ratchathani provinces, and whether this constituted provocation on the Thai side. General Natthaphol declined to answer the question.
Before reporters could press further on whether he had called to reprimand General Tea Seyha, the Cambodian Minister of Defense, General Natthaphol nodded in affirmation.
Reporters then asked if the Thai military had made all necessary preparations. General Natthaphol nodded in affirmation before immediately proceeding to the cabinet meeting.