Thai intelligence claims of Cambodian aggression ‘ironic’
Youk Chhang is director of the Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam). Supplied
#opinion
The director of the Thailand Army’s Military Intelligence, Thiranan Nuntakhwang, issued curious statements about how the Thai army should remain vigilant against a renewed outbreak of hostilities by the Cambodian army over the next four to five months after the rainy season.
His statements are curious because as the head of Thai intelligence, he knows better than anyone that Thai military forces are currently occupying and openly fortifying multiple positions in Cambodian territory.
He also knows that the greatest apparent consequence of this military occupation has not been the destruction of any Cambodian military bases, but the displacement of Cambodian families and damage done to Cambodian civilian properties, including temples and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Despite these obvious facts, he suggests the Thai military is actually a defensive force that must remain vigilant against further aggression. It is ridiculous for a state to publicly proclaim its concerns about future aggression while simultaneously militarily occupying the territory of a neighbouring state in defiance of international law and a ceasefire agreement.
The circumstances are akin to a bully that after attacking its victim announces to the world how it must be careful to prevent the victim’s anticipated defence.
There is no doubt that one is living in ironic times, when bullies assume the role of victims and their victims must exercise the greater maturity and restraint in resolving the dispute in a peaceful manner.
Fortunately for Thailand, the region and the world, Cambodia has the mental fortitude, discipline and maturity to patiently work to resolve the conflict in a peaceful but deliberate way, rather than taking up the naturally justified response of an escalation and widening of military conflict.
Youk Chhang is director of the Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam). The views and opinions expressed are his own.
-Phnom Penh Post-
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