Bangkok: "Big Lek" (General Apirat Kongsompong) has expressed his frustration with the international community for not condemning the ongoing landmine issue amid tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. In a bid to address the conflict, General Kongsompong dispatched his deputy chief of staff to attend the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting, emphasizing Thailand's readiness to cease fire if Cambodia demonstrates a clear, transparent, and consistent end to hostilities. He also assured that Thai F-16s would not target civilian areas.
According to Thai News Agency, General Natthaphol Nakpanich, Minister of Defence, commented on Cambodia's assertion that hundreds of thousands are calling for peace, questioning the accuracy of these figures. He stated that a ceasefire could be immediately implemented if Cambodia withdrew its forces from the conflict zones. General Natthaphol also criticized the role of protesters led by members of the Hun family, which he claimed was impeding peace efforts.
General Natthaphol reiterated that the Thai-Cambodian border conflict is solely a matter between the two nations and should not involve other countries such as China or the United States. He stressed that Cambodia must withdraw its forces before any meaningful negotiations can occur.
In anticipation of Cambodia's response to Thailand's ceasefire proposals at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting in Malaysia on December 22, General Natthapol highlighted Thailand's longstanding desire for peace. He expressed gratitude for the goodwill of other nations while urging them to engage in discussions with Cambodia, which he accused of initiating the conflict. He emphasized the importance of Cambodia meeting Thailand's conditions for a permanent ceasefire, including troop withdrawal.
General Natthaphol confirmed that the Ministry of Defence has briefed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ahead of the December 22 discussions, assigning General Natthaphong Phraewkaew as the Thai Armed Forces representative. He reiterated Thailand's commitment to avoiding civilian casualties in air operations, contrasting this with alleged indiscriminate attacks by Cambodian forces.