Bangkok: “Big Dul” insists there is no need to keep the “18 prisoners of war”, saying many are happy and want to remain in Thailand. He advises the media to wait for interviews on the day of their release. He insists the United States and Malaysia are not pressuring them, and reveals that Cambodia has proceeded smoothly with the four points. He acknowledges that there may be some friction between the two sides, as both sides are possessive of their land.
According to Thai News Agency, Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen, Deputy Minister of Defense, addressed concerns raised by residents in the Prasat Ta Kwai area, stating that this was a normal occurrence, stemming from the recent signing of the Thailand-Cambodia Relations Declaration in Malaysia. He added that the process is currently underway to implement the four agreements in Phase 1.
Regarding the video clip that appears to show Thai soldiers obstructing, Lt. Gen. Adul said it was normal for military forces to be close together, and that all sides are protective of their territory. He confirmed that since entering service in 2010, Thailand’s sovereignty has been at a scale of 1:50,000 on the map.
When asked again whether Prasat Ta Kwai was merely a loss of control, Lt. Gen. Adul simply stated that it was a result of an agreement made in the declaration of relations. When the war ended, whoever occupied a particular area would remain there. He added that the Prasat Ta Muen area and other areas were able to be completely occupied.
Regarding the news of the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers on November 12th, Lt. Gen. Adul clarified the facts, saying that there will be an evaluation by the AOT delegation and the two governments. If the established framework is followed, there is no reason to detain them. Furthermore, the information discussed was at the government level, not the military level.
Regarding reports that prisoners of war (POWs) demanded dental care before being repatriated, Lt. Gen. Adul stated that there were more than that. He stated that some of them were unwilling to return because they were happy in Thailand. He also revealed that before repatriation, they might give interviews. He therefore urged the media to inquire about their comfort in Thailand and whether they were adhering to the UN Charter.
As for whether Chanthaburi province will be released, Lt. Gen. Adul stated that he had not yet received a report, but confirmed that it is a permanent border crossing between Thailand and Cambodia. As for whether the release will be extended if Cambodia does not comply with the four agreements, Lt. Gen. Adul stated that discussions must be held, but that Cambodia is currently complying with the agreements as usual. He also asked that people not pay attention to the rumors that the United States is pressuring Thailand to release prisoners of war. He insisted that neither the United States nor Malaysia are pressuring them.