Bangkok: Lt. Gen. Boonsin reported that he was on a mission until December and did not appear to provide information to the Senate Military Committee. Boonsin announced his absence from the Senate Armed Forces Committee due to a long commitment until December. Meanwhile, Gen. Sawat believes what “Big Kung” said was true after explaining to the media that no one had ordered a ceasefire, but rather that it was merely the concern of senior officials. He pointed out that if true, it would affect national sovereignty and that Prime Minister Anutin acted correctly and did not compromise with Cambodia.
According to Thai News Agency, the Senate Committee on Military Affairs and State Security, chaired by Senator General Sawat Tasana, convened an emergency meeting this morning to address the revelations made by Lt. Gen. Boonsin Phadklang, advisor to the Army Commander and former commander of the Second Army Region, regarding the fighting between Thailand and Cambodia from July 24th to 28th, 2015. He stated that he had received orders from superiors to cease fire just six hours after the clashes began, and that he had received a letter inviting Lt. Gen. Boonsin to clarify the facts.
After the meeting, General Sawat spoke about the special summons for Lt. Gen. Boonsin to clarify today. He stated that, following reports from the former Second Army Region commander during the clashes that someone had ordered a ceasefire, the Military Committee wanted to know the truth about the situation and who had ordered the ceasefire. General Boonsin had called him to explain that his schedule was full, running until December, but he would try to see when he could provide information. General Boonsin had already informed the media that his comments were about expressing concern but did not specify who was involved. He believed that what he had said should be in line with what Lt. Gen. Boonsin had said. It was the concern of a senior official, and perhaps the military’s preparedness to assess the situation should a ceasefire be implemented.
When asked whether he believed that the news that Lt. Gen. Boonsin had given to the media, which he had already stated was a discussion, General Sawat said that he had to believe what Lt. Gen. Boonsin had reported. He said he could not imagine anything else, but had to believe what had been explained.
Regarding whether Lt. Gen. Boonsin will be invited to provide further clarification, General Sawat stated that the situation needs to be reconsidered, as it is evolving rapidly. He believes that what Lt. Gen. Boonsin is currently implementing is beneficial to Thailand, particularly the youth. Opportunities to see situations like this are rare and should not occur. However, when they do occur, they should be utilized and used as an opportunity to demonstrate the importance of protecting the nation and its people, including the importance of the monarchy.
When asked if the matter was indeed a sensitive one, with someone calling to order a ceasefire, and whether it was a matter of great importance, General Sawat stated that if it were true, it would be a major issue affecting military operations, national sovereignty, and dignity. However, he asked that it be merely a matter of discussion and concern, as explained by Lt. Gen. Boonsin.
Regarding the latest situation where Thai soldiers stepped on a landmine at Huai Tamaria, Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province, the government’s response to halt all agreements is a good one. We shouldn’t compromise. We’re trying to abide by the agreements. We’re trying to be international and gentlemanly in every respect. But the positive response, as the Prime Minister correctly announced, is to halt all matters. Whether this will lead to a more forceful response will depend on the situation, as developments are occurring very rapidly.