Cambodia's leaders cannot be trusted - Thai Deputy Defence Minister

Deputy Defence Minister Nattaphon Nakpanich accused Cambodia today of lacking sincerity, after having promised US President Donald Trump yesterday to enter into a ceasefire as it resumed its shelling of Thai civilian targets in Surin province early this morning.

He claimed that this is the second time that Cambodia has reneged on its promise of a ceasefire, after the first occasion on June 8, when they promised that Cambodian forces would be withdrawn from the Phaya Sattaban tree, a natural border marker. Instead, they laid anti-personnel landmines in the area.

General Nattaphon admitted that it was a mistake to believe that Cambodia would respect international laws, such as the Ottawa Convention against the use of anti-personnel landmines and the Geneva Convention.

Commenting on Trump’s proposal, that Thailand and Cambodia quickly agree to a ceasefire and restore peace, the deputy defence minister said that the Thai government had to consult with the military and listen to the opinions of the Thai public, because Thailand is a democracy, unlike Cambodia, where only two people, strongman Hun Sen and his son, Prime Minister Hun Manet, are in full control of the country and make decisions without having to consult their people.

He added, however, that, after having promised Trump last night that Cambodia agreed to a ceasefire, at about 2am, Cambodian forces started shelling Thai civilians with artillery and rocket barrages.

He said he regrets Cambodia’s insincerity, adding that their leaders cannot be trusted.

The deputy defence minister also complained about budget cuts, affecting military capabilities, especially relating to offensive weaponry, which is also necessary for the protection of Thai sovereignty.