ID :
177757
Mon, 04/25/2011 - 14:50
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/177757
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Thai Army chief announces firmly he is ready for a war with Cambodia
BANGKOK, April 25 (TNA) - The Thai Army chief assures Thai soldiers are never defensive or pushed back by Cambodian troops. He confirms they are ready for a war if the government wants it.
Army commander-in-chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said that Thai soldiers were present in every area of border clashes and defended national territory efficiently. They have not retreated at all. He denied criticism that Thai soldiers are defensive and retreating. He said Thai soldiers’ presence along the border complied with existing agreements and rules and he would be ready if such agreements should be lifted. The government is discussing bilateral meetings. If the government wants an opinion, he will be ready to propose a solution.
“Thai soldiers are not defensive. Now we are at the border. If the government gives an order, we will be ready to launch an attack. Whether the government can give an order or not depends on whether we are committed to a bilateral agreement. We must consider carefully if any action will worsen a problem. A war is not difficult. I confirm that if there is an order today, tomorrow occupation must be achieved. Forceful occupation will mean a war between both countries. If that is the case, all in Thailand must join forces in the war,” the Army chief said.
However, Gen Prayuth said a war had not been declared. There are only clashes along the border and he is trying to avoid a war.
Gen Prayuth said Cambodia wanted to escalate the problem to attract intervention by other countries. He does not think that is necessary, saying both countries would have to return to bilateral talks eventually. If Cambodia wants a third-party country to mediate, it must withdraw all its soldiers from disputed areas first, he said.
Defense Ministry spokesman Col Thanathip Sawangsaeng said the defense minister assured in the Defense Council meeting that the armed forces were always ready to use weapons to protect the nation and Thai people and their response to Cambodia would be justified.
The defense spokesman said the Defense Council did not discuss a plan of Indonesian observers to visit the disputed area but left the issue with the Foreign Ministry. There have not been any details on who will arrive or how they will arrive and what they will do. (TNA)
Army commander-in-chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said that Thai soldiers were present in every area of border clashes and defended national territory efficiently. They have not retreated at all. He denied criticism that Thai soldiers are defensive and retreating. He said Thai soldiers’ presence along the border complied with existing agreements and rules and he would be ready if such agreements should be lifted. The government is discussing bilateral meetings. If the government wants an opinion, he will be ready to propose a solution.
“Thai soldiers are not defensive. Now we are at the border. If the government gives an order, we will be ready to launch an attack. Whether the government can give an order or not depends on whether we are committed to a bilateral agreement. We must consider carefully if any action will worsen a problem. A war is not difficult. I confirm that if there is an order today, tomorrow occupation must be achieved. Forceful occupation will mean a war between both countries. If that is the case, all in Thailand must join forces in the war,” the Army chief said.
However, Gen Prayuth said a war had not been declared. There are only clashes along the border and he is trying to avoid a war.
Gen Prayuth said Cambodia wanted to escalate the problem to attract intervention by other countries. He does not think that is necessary, saying both countries would have to return to bilateral talks eventually. If Cambodia wants a third-party country to mediate, it must withdraw all its soldiers from disputed areas first, he said.
Defense Ministry spokesman Col Thanathip Sawangsaeng said the defense minister assured in the Defense Council meeting that the armed forces were always ready to use weapons to protect the nation and Thai people and their response to Cambodia would be justified.
The defense spokesman said the Defense Council did not discuss a plan of Indonesian observers to visit the disputed area but left the issue with the Foreign Ministry. There have not been any details on who will arrive or how they will arrive and what they will do. (TNA)
