Khmer Circle:
Since the first Asean-initiated Cease Fire agreement to halt the five days
of fighting in which scores of solders from both sides lost their lives, no one
in the press or Thai media seems to find anything wrong - nay, despicable -
over the reported kidnapping and continued detention of 18 Cambodian soldiers
apparently in contravention of international convention relating to treatment
of captured soldiers in time of war. The Cambodian side could have - and likely
have had - easily captured and kept Thai soldiers as hostages and used them as
bargaining leverages in maximising Cambodia's national self-interests. Yet, it
is the Thais who find nothing reprehensible or inhumane about holding these
soldiers under their custody even though there is no justifiable moral or
political basis for continuing to do so despite the incalculable suffering and
psychological torture all this experience is being inflicted upon the 18
soldiers as well as their families and loved ones.
This saga exploited for both domestic and political gains of Thailand and
its politicians and military along with what had been deployed during the five
days of clashes - F-16 bombing raids (classed as the heaviest or most lethal
weapons in Thailand's military arsenal), poison gas (internationally banned),
cluster bombs (internationally banned), broadcasting high pitch sounds aimed at
civilians and villagers living near the disputed region, including the most
vulnerable among them such as babies, pregnant women, the elderly and those
with disabilities.
This episode also reminisces what happened in the wake of the ICJ's 1962
verdict over the Preah Vihear case when Thailand was ordered by the court to
vacate the temple and its immediate vicinity. Instead of peacefully and
gracefully withdrawing Thai troops from the area in question the Thais
reportedly used elephants to pull down several standing columns of the temple's
structure in apparent showing of displeasure at the verdict and ultimate act of
giving heed to vengeance.
A Western observer once noted that the Vietnamese - Cambodia's predators to
the East - maybe deceitful and treacherous, but the Thais are much more insidious
or cunning in the same regard!
This detail in the current border tension and conflict also thus serves to highlight the moral distinction, character and mindset of both neighbouring countries and cultures.
^^^
PM
Anutin apologised for confusion over his border comment, clarifying
both Thailand and Cambodia will act under the joint declaration;
military to handle fence issue.
He
said both Thailand and Cambodia are complying with the terms of their
peace agreement, and what he had referred to earlier was a “claimed
area” still under negotiation between the two countries.
“It’s
an area under dispute, and both sides must continue talks to make
things clear. If my words caused confusion, I apologise. My intention
was to say both countries must act according to the agreement,” Anutin
explained.
He added that he had
told Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet that Thailand is ready to
proceed once Cambodia fulfils the four agreed conditions, which Phnom
Penh has pledged to accelerate.
Anutin
said Thailand also stands prepared to return all 18 detained Cambodian
soldiers once the military confirms readiness, with health checks
conducted beforehand to ensure transparency and humane treatment.
The Nation, Thailand.
