Bangkok: Fake news has surfaced, circulating a video clip claiming that Thailand has declared war on Cambodia. The Thai government has swiftly and firmly denied these allegations, emphasizing that no parliamentary session has been convened to declare war. They reiterated that both the Senate and the House of Representatives are operating on their regular schedules, meeting every Monday and Thursday, respectively. The government has urged the public to disregard these false and misleading reports and called for Cambodia to adhere to the August 7 agreement to prevent the spread of fake news that could disrupt regional peace.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, the spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office and a member of the Thai-Cambodian Border Situation Administration (TCASA), addressed the issue concerning the video clip from the Bong Ah Run Facebook page. The clip, which referenced local Cambodian media, falsely claimed that Thailand was preparing to declare a state of war with Cambodia. Mr. Jirayu stressed that these assertions are baseless and represent a deliberate attempt to create fake news by distorting information to mislead the public and the international community.
The Thai government has reiterated that it has not taken any steps that would lead to a state of war against Cambodia or any other country. The parliamentary sessions continue as scheduled, with the Senate meeting every Monday and Tuesday, and the House of Representatives convening on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Accusations that Thailand is unwilling to pursue peace or is planning an attack on Cambodia are seen as grossly distorted slander, potentially harming the bilateral relationship between the two nations. Thailand remains steadfast in its commitment to resolving disputes peacefully through bilateral mechanisms and is actively engaged in constructive dialogue to address border issues. The government is ready to participate in cooperative forums, including those aimed at promoting border demining, and expects Cambodia to engage with the same sincerity. The current situation, however, has been identified as a provocation, posing a challenge to the peaceful progress in the region.
Mr. Jirayu further appealed to the public to refrain from believing, sharing, or disseminating unverified information. He urged individuals to verify suspicious information through official government channels before sharing it, as misinformation can be damaging. He reassured that Thailand remains dedicated to maintaining peace and order in the region through peaceful means and cooperation. Additionally, he mentioned that government agencies are actively pursuing legal action against individuals who deliberately create and spread false information.