Why Is Thailand Still Keeping the Captured Soldiers?
3:59 PM
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The analyst said the Thai military is dissatisfied with the ceasefire agreement and intends to ruin it.
Phat Dane: What can be the reasons the Thai military is not releasing all of the captured soldiers?
Kin Phea: Capturing the Cambodian soldiers was a violation of international law, betrayal of the sincerity of the Cambodian army, and a violation of the ceasefire agreement. The Thai side faked being friendly, offering a handshake on July 29, eight hours after the ceasefire took effect. Such an act was a violation of international law and ethics and that’s why they must release the remaining soldiers.
Initially, the Thai military captured 21 soldiers but one died and two were returned on Aug. 1 — with one severely injured and the other reportedly disoriented due to torture by the Thai military. They violated international law, the Geneva Convention and the ceasefire agreement.
Based on these acts, the Thai military obviously used the law of the jungle, with no respect for the ceasefire agreement or recognition of the international notices. They are still showing such cruelty, backed by armed force, just like the barbarians during the first and second centuries.
The soldiers are not prisoners of war. They were captured to be hostages.
Phat Dane: Are there any other motives behind their decision to keep the remaining soldiers?
Kin Phea: The Cambodian soldiers might be used to provoke the Cambodian side so that Cambodia will act aggressively to violate the ceasefire. As seen recently, the Thai military has invaded sovereign territory and caused problems constantly after the agreement came into effect.
They have done a lot to hurt us, including laying barbed wires at An Ses area, using heavy machinery to destroy civilians’ houses, attacking Cambodian frontline soldiers with slingshots, and building trenches on Cambodian territory.
Thailand is testing Cambodia’s patience by using these tricks, provoking Cambodian soldiers to launch attack first so that they can claim self-defense — which is what the Thai military has always wished for as they are warmongers. I’m saying they are thirsty for wars because they initiated the clashes to gain power for the military and to gain benefits for the commanders to feed their thirstiness for Cambodian territory.
Thailand has always craved Cambodian soil. The border conflict will continue in future generations if Cambodian remains weak and can’t settle the border demarcation.
Phat Dane: Besides calling for international oversight, what else can Cambodia do to pressure Thailand for the full release of the remaining soldiers soon?
Kin Phea: What we do is to continue pressing Thailand by all means: diplomacy, international community, the UN Security Council and General Assembly. Besides, the country has to send letters to other countries who stand with justice, truth and peace with us.
We can send letters to China, the US, Malaysia, France, England, the European Union and other countries including the King of Thailand who is in charge of the military.
We must try by all means. Cambodians at home and abroad must continue protesting against the Thai invasion, stopping them from causing more problems and demand immediate and unconditional release of the Cambodian soldiers.
Another important thing is for the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to record all the violations by the Thai side, making a strong petition against all activities, locations of acts and timeline, and gathering all evidence to expose Thailand at the international community.
This is because we do not choose the use of armed forces to end the border conflict. We are using diplomatic and legal mechanisms with Thailand.
Phat Dane: For these violations, what punishment will Thailand receive from the international law?
Kin Phea: Firstly, it’s hard to say in this uncertain world order. However, the country’s reputation will be ruined due to the fickleness and violations of the international law, international instruments and the ceasefire.
Secondly, I believe that the international community’s trust in Thailand will be lost because the nation does not respect the agreements or instruments. Thailand will not be trusted by the international community.
Thirdly, I think there will also be impacts on the diplomatic, economic and trading aspects. However, it is unclear what kind of measure the international community will use to put pressure on Thailand. These diplomatic, economic and military pressures can be done only with a decision by the Security Council.
