Bangkok: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has firmly rejected the suggestion to use satellite technology to monitor military activities on the Thai-Cambodian border. During a recent interview on the “Worker News” program, he emphasized that Thailand did not initiate the ongoing conflict and stressed the importance of both nations de-escalating tensions.
According to Thai News Agency, Anutin discussed the border situation with international leaders, including Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and US President Donald Trump. He highlighted that both leaders were receiving reports from the opposing side, which claimed the absence of new landmines, dismissing these as remnants from the past. Anutin recounted his own experience at the An Ma Pass and Huai Ta Maria area in Sisaket province, where he witnessed new landmines firsthand. This assertion was refuted by those who claimed to have firsthand knowledge of the situation. During discussions with Trump, Anutin clarified that the landmines were indeed new, countering Trump’s claims that they were old. He also addressed Trump’s criticism of Thailand’s strong retaliation, offering to provide evidence of BM-21 missile launches from Cambodia.
Anutin further elaborated on his conversation with Trump, stating that he utilized diplomatic channels to advocate for a ceasefire. While Trump and Anwar did not exert pressure on him, they expressed a desire to avoid war, which Anutin acknowledged as correct. He insisted that Thailand had urged them to convey this message to the aggressors to prevent further retaliation. Anutin also clarified that he never announced a ceasefire would occur on Saturday.
Anutin expressed his reluctance for conflict, acknowledging the daily damage and risk to citizens and soldiers’ lives. However, he maintained that defending the country’s sovereignty necessitated action. He stated, “Today, I am still at the Thai-Cambodian peace declaration in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, but I cannot withdraw my troops because they are still firing at us.”
Regarding Cambodia’s suggestion to employ satellite imagery to determine the initial aggressor, Anutin responded critically, questioning Cambodia’s right to monitor Thai military activities. He argued that Cambodia’s goal was to portray Thailand as retaliating violently, reiterating that Thailand did not initiate the conflict and advocating for mutual de-escalation.