Has the Thai PM Confirmed Military Control in Target Areas?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Thai military forces have taken control of key areas.
- Casualties include 34 Thai civilians due to the conflict.
- Efforts are being made to ensure the safety of residents in affected areas.
- The situation is closely monitored to prevent further violence.
- Thailand is committed to respecting international law.
Bangkok, Dec 22 (NationPress) Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced that Thai military forces have successfully gained control over almost all designated areas and are actively urging Cambodian troops to retreat. The situation is being monitored vigilantly to avert any potential resurgence of hostilities.
In a conversation with Thai media in Surin province, Anutin revealed that he has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to clarify Thailand's stance at the upcoming ASEAN foreign ministers' special meeting on Monday. He emphasized that Thailand is not violating any treaties nor acting as the aggressor; all measures taken are aimed at protecting the nation's sovereignty and security, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
He further stated that Thailand has always respected international law principles and is committed to managing the situation without escalating the conflict.
The ongoing Thailand-Cambodia conflict has tragically resulted in the deaths of 34 Thai civilians, as informed by Surasant Kongsiri, spokesperson for the Thai Ministry of Defence, during a press briefing on Sunday. However, as the intensity of border skirmishes diminishes, some local residents have started returning home, and the number of shelters has decreased.
Reports from Thai media indicate that Cambodian forces continued shelling border areas in Thailand's Sa Kaeo province on Sunday afternoon, prompting local authorities in Aranyaprathet district to issue urgent relocation notices for residents to move to safer locations.
A spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy stated that a marine was injured earlier that day after triggering a landmine while on a mission in the Ban Nong Ri region of Trat province. This incident underscores that the Cambodian side continues to deploy landmines in the area, which is a serious breach of international law.