Bangkok: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the temporary pin-pointing survey conducted at the Thai-Cambodian border was successful, reinforcing the effectiveness of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) mechanism. It emphasized Thailand's commitment to peace while condemning Cambodia for allegedly creating tensions and distorting facts. Despite inspecting the Ban Cham Rak area in Trat Province, there were no reports of weapon sounds from the Thai side, nor any confirmation that Cambodia had sent troops to block the border crossing.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nikorndej Plangkura, the Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provided updates on the border situation. He noted that on November 19th, the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission initiated a joint survey, placing temporary markers at boundary markers 42-47, a priority area for both nations. This move underlines the ongoing effectiveness of bilateral mechanisms, particularly the JBC.
Mr. Nikorndet also highlighted the visit of foreign military attach©s to Thailand on November 19th. The Royal Thai Army hosted 20 foreign military attach©s from 17 countries in Sa Kaeo Province, where they received briefings on Thailand's security operations to ensure citizen safety. The delegation surveyed operations at the Ban Khlong Luek permanent border crossing, a critical trade and transit point opposite Poipet, Cambodia. They were briefed on the local situation and efforts to suppress transnational crimes. The delegation then visited Ban Nong Chan to inspect landmine clearance and assess the damage from Cambodian provocations on November 12th.
This visit aims to provide accurate information to the international community, showcasing Thailand's efforts to promote peace and fulfill Joint Declaration agreements, while accusing Cambodia of violating agreements and spreading misinformation.
Mr. Nikorndet further addressed Cambodia's continued dissemination of false information. Reports from November 19th indicated that the Cambodian Ministry of Defense claimed their ASEAN observer team terminated its mission in Pursat Province, opposite Ban Chamrak, due to weapon-like sounds from the Thai side. However, investigations by the Thai navy confirmed no weapons were used, and those who witnessed the event likened the sounds to firecrackers, suggesting Cambodia may have orchestrated the incident. The public is urged to verify information from Cambodian sources with official Thai sources.
Regarding reports of Cambodian soldiers surrounding the Hill 745 area in Chong Bok, Ubon Ratchathani Province, Mr. Nikorndet stated that he had not received any confirmation.
To counter fake news from Cambodia, Mr. Nikorndet mentioned that security forces would serve as first responders. He cited the firecracker incident as an example, where the Navy responded promptly. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the Joint Declaration's call to cease provocative actions and false news dissemination. Thailand will respond not just through media but also through observers and military attach©s on the ground. Additionally, a counter-fake news center under the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) coordinates daily responses with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, security agencies, the DE Ministry, and the Public Relations Department.