Cambodia-Thailand Border Troop Adjustments Spark Concerns and Calls for Clarity
Concerns over troop adjustments along the Cambodia-Thailand border have sparked debate online, prompting officials, including Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet, to clarify that the changes do not indicate withdrawals. The Ministry of National Defence issued statements addressing misinformation, and experts are calling for quicker government communication to ensure public trust in handling this sensitive issue.
Concerns surrounding the adjustment of military forces along the Cambodia-Thailand border have ignited a lively debate on social media. Analysts are urging the Cambodian government to swiftly address these speculations, particularly in light of the recent tragic shooting of a Cambodian soldier by Thai forces on May 28. The adjustment has led many online to interpret the changes as a potential military retreat, while others maintain it is merely a strategic repositioning of troops.
Senate President Hun Sen stepped in to clarify the situation on social platforms, emphasizing that these adjustments are crucial to prevent large-scale bloodshed. He articulated that the movements are not indicative of troop withdrawals but rather a rearrangement within Cambodian territory. “Learn to understand! It’s not about withdrawing troops from our land but adjusting forces within our territory. It’s like sleeping on a bed — before, your head faced the foot, now it faces the head. Our land remains ours,” he stated.
Hun Sen reiterated that the essential aim of adjusting military forces is to minimize conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, while also underscoring that any final resolution would be handled by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He recently stated that there would be no withdrawal from critical military positions such as Mum Bei, which he previously visited back in 2010.
The ambiguity surrounding the term “adjustment” has further complicated public perception. Notably, comments began to circulate after Thai authorities articulated that both nations had concurred to revert their military positions back to 2024 standards, and dismantle temporary trenches. This prompted Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence to issue two statements just hours apart on June 9.
In the morning release, the ministry pointed out the propagation of misleading information by Thai media, and certain domestic social media accounts which could potentially fan nationalist sentiments and escalate tensions. “It urged citizens to rely only on verified information, particularly from the Cambodian government or the defence ministries of both countries, as ‘official, true and trustworthy’ sources,” the statement noted.
Just a few hours later, the ministry reaffirmed that no Cambodian troops were withdrawn from areas under Cambodian sovereignty. It clarified that recent troop adjustments and movements were solely conducted within Cambodia’s territory, aimed at ensuring territorial integrity.
Prime Minister Hun Manet, while attending the UN Ocean Conference in France, echoed these sentiments, urging citizens to remain calm and to trust the government’s manage of border matters. He cautioned against spreading uncertain information that could exacerbate the situation and lead to misunderstandings.
Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, pointed out the populace’s sensitivity toward territorial issues. He suggested that Thailand often exploits these matters for psychological advantage through media channels, a strategy that has historical roots. Yang urged for quicker and more reliable updates from the government, characterizing the situation as one of national survival. He advocated that future discussions between Cambodia and Thailand include protocols for joint communication to bolster public trust.
Lastly, Tep Asnarith, spokesperson for the Ministry of Information, reminded both journalists and online users to be cautious about disseminating unverified information, particularly from foreign sources, which could lead to further confusion and misinformation.
The recent adjustments of military forces along the Cambodia-Thailand border are causing a ripple of concern and speculation. With conflicting narratives emerging, government officials, particularly Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet, are working to reassure the public that these changes do not signal an abandonment of territories. Analysts suggest that faster communication and transparency are critical in addressing public concern over sensitive issues. The situation underscores the importance of accurate information amid rising tensions.
Original Source: www.nationthailand.com
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