Bangkok: The deputy spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed disappointment that Cambodia continues to spread fake news attacking Thailand. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sihasak Srisuk is preparing to lead Airports of Thailand (AOT) to collect factual information in Ubon Ratchathani and Sisaket next week.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Maratee Nalita Andamo, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provided an update on the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border, emphasizing that Thailand has strictly adhered to the joint statement between Thailand and Cambodia.
Last week, the Secretary of the General Border Committee (GBC) sent a letter to the Cambodian side informing them that Thailand had established a Thai-Cambodian Situation Information Center to clarify accurate information and counter misinformation from the Cambodian side, in order to reduce tension and build mutual trust. Thailand has already appointed a coordinator for the information center and requested the Cambodian side to provide details of the coordinator to Thailand to ensure transparency and coordination between the two countries.
On January 20th and 26th, officials from the Thai-Cambodian intelligence center visited Chong An Ma in Ubon Ratchathani Province and Ban Nong Chan in Sa Kaeo Province to observe and gather factual information from the area.
Between February 4-5, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkaew, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will lead an ASEAN observer delegation (AOT) to Ubon Ratchathani and Sisaket provinces to listen to the opinions of the local people and private sector in the area. This is because actions taken in dealing with the Cambodian side may need to take into account the opinions of the people. He will also use this opportunity to visit and encourage soldiers who were injured in the fighting.
Ms. Maratee also stated that it is disappointing that distorted statements and baseless fake news are still being spread, which does not help to de-escalate the tense situation. For example, a few days ago, Cambodia reported that a former Cambodian diplomat to Thailand claimed that some ASEAN observers were denied visas by Thailand. She affirmed that this was untrue, as there has been continuous coordination and discussion with the working group on ways to improve efficiency, including the regular deployment of observers to the field, and observations of 21 meetings between Thailand and Cambodia under various bilateral mechanisms. This was in line with the main objective of establishing ASEAN observers, as agreed upon, and with careful attention to prevent observers from being exploited for purposes contrary to their intended objectives. The dissemination of distorted information reflects an intention to create misunderstanding and damage Thailand's image in the international community, which clearly contradi cts the joint statement. Therefore, she urged all sectors in Cambodia to cease disseminating distorted and provocative information that undermines efforts to find a peaceful solution.
Furthermore, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) visited Sa Kaeo, Buriram, and Si Sa Ket provinces from January 20 to 23 to gather information on damage from the fighting and its humanitarian impact. This involved exchanging views with local government agencies and entering civilian areas to collect data on the damage. The presence of this delegation reflects Thailand's transparency in respecting and adhering to humanitarian principles and international law.
Following the signing of the ceasefire agreement, the Regional Border Committee (RBC) has held two meetings, reflecting the gradual return to normal functioning of the bilateral mechanism.