BANGKOK, 18 July 2011 – Troops along the Thai-Cambodian border are proceeding with their duties as usual while waiting for the Government’s reaction to the International Court of Justice (ICJ)’s order for their withdrawal.
Following the ICJ’s verdict for the dismissal of both Thai and Cambodian soldiers stationed along the disputed border, Commander of the Second Army Region Lieutenant General Thawatchai Samutsakorn stated that the overall situation in the area was still normal while the troops on both sides were still holding their ground. The size of the Thai forces has not been adjusted so far, pending the Government’s instruction which will be handed down through the Defense Minister and the Army Chief.
On the Cambodian side, no reports have been received over suspicious military movements or transport of weaponry.
On this occasion, Lt Gen Thawatchai confirmed the Army’s readiness to protect Thailand’s sovereignty while urging the public not to panic over the border situation. He also refused to speak of the preparation for the next Regional Border Committee (RBC) Meeting, reasoning that it was unrelated to the ICJ’s deliberation of the border case.
