Bangkok: Thai Army spokesperson reveals Thailand is aware of Cambodia's "information warfare". The Army spokesperson indicated that Cambodia continues its provocative border activities, including daily firing disruptively, hoping for a Thai retaliation to create an international issue. The spokesperson revealed that the Thai side is aware of this "information warfare" and confirmed that no signs of heavy weaponry have been detected. The public is urged not to panic and to follow news only from official sources. The latest example cited was the leaked audio clip of the Prime Minister.
According to Thai News Agency, Major General Winthai Suvari, spokesman for the Royal Thai Army, revealed that Cambodian soldiers fired 11 rounds of small arms from the Cambodian side along the O'Semed area, opposite the Chong Chom border crossing in Kab Choeng District, Surin Province. He stated that in the past, high-ranking commanders, including the Cambodian government, often say one thing, but their actions on the ground contradict it.
Major General Winthai stated that since the ceasefire, gunfire and occasional explosions have continued to be heard, which he viewed as provocative behavior. However, he affirmed that the intention was not to harm the lives or property of Thai civilians or military personnel, but merely to create annoyance and tension in the border area.
"Similar incidents have occurred several times earlier this year. We believe this isn't the first time this has been reported, but rather a continuous occurrence along the entire Thai-Cambodian border. Forces in the area have been reporting information to us constantly," the army spokesperson said.
It is assessed that the main cause stemmed from the lack of discipline among Cambodian soldiers. At the same time, in some cases, there was deliberate provocation to incite the Thai side to retaliate with weapons, before escalating the accusation that Thailand initiated the conflict.
Major General Winthai further stated that sometimes the Cambodian side attempts to bring foreign individuals or media, especially influencers, close to restricted areas. When Thai soldiers fire warning shots as per procedure, they then disseminate images or information claiming that Thailand was the one who used weapons first. The Thai army is aware of and understands these tactics.
The army spokesman stated that, overall, Cambodia continues to prioritize a 'battle of information' over actual military confrontations. This is evident in the fact that whenever an incident occurs, Cambodian military leaders or spokespersons are quick to deny the facts, reflecting problems with communication and the chain of command between policy levels and operational units on the ground.
When asked how Thailand would respond if an actual shooting occurred, which Cambodia continues to deny, Major General Winthai said that if the use of weapons affects Thai territory, Thailand is ready to retaliate immediately. This would depend on the discretion of the responsible units in each area, as the context and relationships on the ground vary.
Regarding concerns among residents along the border due to rapidly spreading news via social media, the Army spokesperson reiterated that the shootings were "provocative" and did not yet pose a threat to life or safety. The public is urged to follow official warnings from government agencies such as village heads, community leaders, or local authorities. If there are no warnings, people can continue their lives as normal.
"I can confirm that the army is not complacent and is monitoring the situation day by day, week by week. However, until now, there is no information indicating that it will escalate to the use of heavy weapons. Therefore, only the communications field, which the Cambodian side continues to use primarily, remains," Major General Winthai said.
Furthermore, when asked about fake news, particularly the fake audio clip of the Prime Minister regarding the reopening of border checkpoints, which was circulated in Cambodia, the army spokesperson stated that all sectors must work together to create understanding within society and urged the public to primarily follow information from official government agencies.
'Regarding the audio clip of the Prime Minister, it is inherently difficult to believe. The public should be aware of the current state of communication, as many cases are aimed at impacting Thailand. Therefore, it is essential to use discretion when consuming news and to primarily follow information from official sources,' said Major General Winthai.