Bangkok: The Thai director of the Joint Operations Centre (JIC) has called on Cambodia to provide evidence to substantiate allegations concerning the MK-84 missile system, cluster bombs, and chemical weapons. The director emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the attacks on civilians, advocating for a focus on facts rather than rhetorical disputes.
According to Thai News Agency, Air Chief Marshal Praphas Sonjaidee, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force and Director of the Thai-Cambodian Situation Information Center (JIC), responded to statements made by Mr. Heng Ratana, acting government representative and Director of the Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC). Ratana claimed that the Airports of Thailand (AOT) delegation and military attach©s were aware of the damage caused by Thailand's alleged use of MK-84 cluster bombs and chemical weapons. Air Chief Marshal Sonjaidee clarified that receiving information is distinct from endorsing it and urged Cambodia to release an official AOT report for international examination.
Addressing allegations of chemical weapon use by Thailand, Air Chief Marshal Praphas stressed the gravity of such accusations and the necessity for high-standard evidence. He questioned the specifics of the alleged substances, their discovery, and the testing process, emphasizing the importance of following international investigation standards. He reiterated that while Thailand welcomes scrutiny, serious claims should not rely solely on press statements.
In response to reports from CMAC about finding remnants of MK-84s and cluster bombs, Air Chief Marshal Praphas highlighted the need to distinguish between finding weapons remnants and proving their usage, timing, location, and targets. He called for the release of coordinates, images, and physical evidence, alongside a clear survey methodology, to ensure an independent investigation can be conducted.
The Thai director also addressed Cambodia's claims of attacks on large civilian areas, underscoring the necessity of a thorough investigation to uphold international humanitarian law principles. Air Chief Marshal Praphas urged that all facts, including coordinates and situational context, be verified before drawing any conclusions.
He conveyed a message to Cambodia and the international community, emphasizing the process of moving from claim to evidence, verification, and fact. He warned against misrepresenting AOT's position, stating that Thailand is prepared for fact-finding under mutually acceptable mechanisms and is committed to following the joint statement from December 27th. Air Chief Marshal Praphas concluded by reiterating Thailand's commitment to facts, evidence, verification, and peace, as standards upheld by the country and expected by the international community.