"Big Lek" Calls "Tea Sreyha" to Complain About Undisciplined Cambodian Soldiers Burning Forests

Today (23 Feb) 10:35 AM at the Royal Thai Air Force Headquarters, General Natthaphol Nakpanich, the Minister of Defence, gave an interview after the Defence Council meeting regarding the forest fires on the Thai-Cambodian border. He stated that this issue was not discussed at the Defence Council meeting, but he had been following the situation since the initial burning. He had contacted General Tea Sreyha, the Cambodian Minister of Defence, to report the undisciplined Cambodian soldiers burning forests along the border, which he found concerning. He informed the Cambodian Minister of Defence that Thailand's existing concerns were landmine laying and now the issue of Cambodian soldiers burning forests along the border, which could eventually lead to conflict. If Cambodia truly believes it wants to resolve the issue peacefully, it shouldn't resort to this method. If the fire spreads to the Thai side, it could escalate into a major problem. Yet, they continue to do it, and I've warned them again. Furthermore, there are cases of Cambodian soldiers lying and spreading fake news, falsely accusing Thai soldiers of wrongdoing. Most recently, they accused Thai soldiers of shooting and injuring Cambodian soldiers. Based on the evidence and common sense, it's clear the wounds were not from gunshot wounds. I've already warned the Cambodian side about this.

General Nattapol also stated that regarding the 798-kilometer Thai-Cambodian border fence, after our latest military operation, we secured it. We need to maintain this security because the Cambodian soldiers sent this time lack discipline and might encroach. However, we acknowledge that maintaining this troop presence indefinitely is impractical due to the high cost. Therefore, I've asked the military commanders to consider which areas require continued troop deployment and which should remain so. For areas with high traffic, such as Ban Khlong Luek in Sa Kaeo Province and Thomoda in Trat Province, a permanent fence may be necessary, possibly combined with electronic fences in some areas and CCTV cameras. "We are trying to save the military budget as much as possible," General Nattapol reiterated. He added, "Regarding areas that can be developed into tourist attractions, such as Phu Makheua in Sisaket Province, Chong An Ma and Chong Bok in Ubon Ratchathani Province, or into memorial sites, these will allow the public to visit and observe the situation closely, monitoring for any aggression from neighboring countries. Simultaneously, we will find land for war veterans to cultivate, in the form of border self-defense villages. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has also agreed on this. If all five aspects are implemented, we can withdraw our troops."

Photo: Weeraphat Ratsameerueangrong