Bangkok vows self-defense if Cambodia violates ceasefire

Thailand has stressed that the ceasefire with Cambodia will only be recognised if Cambodia actually ceases hostile actions and that the 72-hour monitoring period is intended to verify compliance.

Air Chief Marshal Prapas Sornjaidee, the Thai Air Force’s assistant chief of staff, vowed that Thailand would act in self-defense if the truce, signed by the Thai and Cambodian defence ministers today, does not hold.

“If an attack occurs after the 72 hours of the ceasefire, then we will have to resort the use of military force in defense for our country, based on Article 51 of the United Nations Charter,” Prapas said.

If Cambodia cannot comply with the truce, he said it would indicate the country’s insincerity in efforts to restore peace.

The joint statement, he added, is based on sincere intentions and Thailand expects sincerity from Cambodia in return. If there are incursions or violations, Thailand reserves the right to act in self-defense.

If violations occur, Prapas, who is also director of the Thai-Cambodia situation centre, said that Thai forces are prepared to respond and are on standby for any necessary combat action.

Prapas said, though, that there are several mechanisms to help ensure the situation does not escalate, including the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) and hotline communications between the defence ministers of the two countries.

He also called for trust and confidence from both the media and the public, saying authorities are committed to providing truthful and timely information, while rejecting fake news and misinformation.

Prapas insisted Thailand has never used civilians as human shields and has never deliberately targeted civilian areas, adding “All our combat operations aim to mitigate and reduce threats from the opposing force,” stressing that only legitimate military targets have been engaged.

On displaced civilians, Prapas expressed confidence that they will be able to return home safely. He said displaced people are being given top priority and authorities are working closely with government agencies to provide aid and relief measures to ease their hardships.