Thai Army Denials Cannot Conceal the Border Truth
Thai Army Denials Cannot Conceal the Border Truth
-Opinion-
On November 14, the Royal Thai Army, through Lt. Gen. Winthai Suwaree, dismissed Cambodian reports of a shooting incident at the Banteay Meanchey border as “distorted.” Yet no amount of official rhetoric can erase what actually occurred. Civilians were targeted, lives were endangered, and evidence is already documented. Denial is easy—but accountability cannot be silenced.
Eyewitnesses, victims, and Cambodian authorities have provided clear reports: gunfire originated from Thai positions, causing civilian casualties. Photos, preliminary site assessments, and eyewitness accounts all point to the same conclusion. Thailand’s blanket denial, without presenting a single piece of verifiable evidence, rings hollow. Claiming distortion while facts exist only undermines credibility.
The ASEAN Observers Team (AOT), under Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense coordination, is on the ground to verify the incident. Their impartial findings will stand in contrast to the Thai Army’s hasty claims. Thailand’s preemptive dismissal of these investigations shows a reluctance to face truth and a disregard for regional cooperation. ASEAN’s integrity depends on honesty, not military posturing.
The Thai military has repeatedly denied wrongdoing along the Cambodia-Thailand border. This is not an isolated case. Each denial erodes trust, both at home and internationally. Civilians’ lives are at stake, yet the Thai government relies on military narratives rather than transparent investigations. When truth is sacrificed for image, peace and stability are the real casualties.
The Cambodian claims deserve full investigation. The Thai Army’s denial cannot rewrite what happened. International observers, ASEAN, and the global community expect transparency, accountability, and cooperation. Thailand must stop evading responsibility, face the facts, and ensure justice for those affected. Peace and trust on the border cannot be built on lies—only on truth.
Roth Santepheap is a geopolitical analyst based in Phnom Penh. The views expressed are his own.
-khmer Times-
