Thailand Calls for Reports on Thailand-Cambodia Situation to Be Verified Using Evidence from Both Sides

Air Chief Marshal Prapas Sornchaidee, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force and Director of Thailand’s Joint Information Center (JIC) on the Thailand-Cambodia Situation, addressed reports by Cambodian media citing analysts who accused Thailand of disregarding the United Nations (UN) after the Thai government raised objections to a report by Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur. Air Chief Marshal Prapas affirmed that Thailand has consistently recognized the importance of the UN.

He said that Thailand’s current actions are not aimed at opposing the UN, but at ensuring that the facts are properly verified through international processes. For example, there has been a criticism that, although Mr. Andrews sent a draft statement to the Thai side two days in advance, Thailand did not respond. However, the issues involved national security, territorial boundaries, military affairs, human rights, and international laws. The information, therefore, needed to be carefully verified and coordinated with multiple agencies.

Regarding the figure of up to 650,000 Cambodians who reportedly fled or were displaced, which Mr. Andrews said was based on a UN report, Thailand has questioned the clarity and reliability of the figure. Thailand has asked where the number came from, when data was collected, which areas it covered, what methodology was used to count the people, and whether the figures were cross-checked. If the figure is accurate, it should be possible for the UN to explain how it was obtained.

Regarding strong accusations by Cambodian analysts that Thailand was denying making allegations, was distorting information, and was attempting to conceal the truth from the international community, Air Chief Marshal Prapas stated that the views of individual analysts do not constitute the conclusions of the UN. Nor do they represent a UN resolution, a ruling by the UN Human Rights Council, or the voice of the international community.

He said that anyone is entitled to express an opinion but such opinions should not be presented in a way that creates the impression that “the world has already judged Thailand.” 

Air Chief Marshal Prapas reaffirmed that Thailand is not afraid of fact-checking or scrutiny. However, he called for an impartial examination of the facts, with information and evidence from both the Thai and Cambodian sides assessed according to the same standards. What Thailand expects is for facts from both sides of the border to be considered fairly and equally.

Source: PR Thai Government