Playing victims? Is it a coincidence that Thai soldiers allegedly stepped on land mines days after the peace pact was signed in Kuala Lumpur and just before the 18 captured Cambodian soldiers were due to be 'released'? The mine fields in question are some of the most heavily mined areas in the world, dating back to the war in the 1980s when Bangkok was happy enough to give its tacit support to the Khmer Rouge who planted the mines and controlled this region as a buffer against Vietnamese invasion and intrusion on to Thai territory. Even if Phnom Penh is determined to clear all the mines laid in the areas it could take months or even years to do so successfully and completely, let alone in a few days!
Moreover, Thailand possesses all the modern technology and equipments needed to clear these mines yet still sending its soldiers into the areas that are still in dispute between the two countries then complain of Cambodia's 'failure' to observe the terms of the peace agreement when its soldiers are injured by the mines!
No matter how unscrupulous Hun Sen is, he cannot afford to engage in a prolonged and protracted confrontation with an enemy who is not of his size and means, and the Thais are fully aware of that notwithstanding their frequent attempts at provoking him into such a conflict by encroaching on Cambodian territory, injuring and killing innocent Cambodian civilians living along the border!
Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said on Wednesday that following a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and US President Donald Trump on Nov 14, Mr Anutin sent another letter dated Nov 18 expressing concern over Cambodia's alleged violations of the accord. He urged Cambodia not to obstruct Thailand's demining operations.
While calling on Cambodia to honour the Peace Accord, Mr Nikorndej reiterated Thailand's position that security issues between the two countries should be kept separate from trade negotiations between Thailand and the US. However, he said that although the issues should not be formally linked, Thailand would still like Washington to encourage Cambodia to follow the agreement.
In a related development, the House committee studying the possible cancellation of the 2000 and 2001 memoranda of understanding (MoUs 43–44) between Thailand and Cambodia on boundary demarcation is seeking a 30-day extension to complete its work, citing insufficient time to gather all documents.
Saritpong Kiewkong, a Bhumjaithai Party MP for Krabi and committee chairman, said the panel's mandate ends on Dec 3.
Bangkok Post
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