PM Anutin pledges to protect Thailand’s sovereignty

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul today pledged to take all necessary measures to protect Thailand’s sovereign and territorial integrity in the face of new border clashes with Cambodia.

Speaking after an emergency meeting of the National Security Council, Anutin said all security agencies “will respond with military operations in all instances corresponding with the situation.”

He said his government has full confidence in the capability of the armed forces which have carefully carried their duty in accordance with the rules of engagement to protect the Thai people based on humanitarian principles.

The prime minister also offered his condolences to military personnel and villagers affected by the renewed fighting and his moral support to villagers who have been evacuated to safety. He said he has instructed all agencies concerned to provide them with all necessary assistance.

“Thailand has never started any aggression but will not allow it sovereignty to be violated,” he said in a brief statement at the Government House.

The prime minister also asked members of the public to follow news only from official channels in order to avoid consuming false information that could cause panic.