Thai Defence Minister assures that the conflict with Cambodia will not last
Thailand's Defence Minister Nathaphol Nakphanit said that the border standoff with Cambodia will not drag on. According to him, the Thai military's operations are progressing step by step in accordance with the approved plan, and the command sees no serious risks at present. This was reported by The Public with reference to Nationthailand.
The head of the defence ministry stressed that Bangkok's decision to restrict the supply of fuel and military materials to Cambodia is a peaceful instrument of pressure. The purpose of these measures is to reduce the operational capabilities of Cambodian forces, not to escalate the conflict.
Thailand will agree to a ceasefire only after an open and real cessation of hostilities by Cambodia. The country's Foreign Ministry has specified three key conditions for this: Phnom Penh's public announcement of a ceasefire, its actual observance and Cambodia's participation in de-mining the border areas.
According to the Thai side, on 14 December, Cambodian troops fired BM 21 missile systems at Thai territory. The attack killed one civilian and injured several others. Bangkok condemned these actions and expressed its readiness to cooperate with the UN and the Red Cross for a peaceful settlement.
When asked about the timeline for ending the standoff, the Defence Minister was laconic: Thailand needs more time.