Bangkok: The Prime Minister has countered claims from Cambodian media, denying allegations of shedding crocodile tears during a visit to soldiers who had stepped on landmines. He also issued a warning about the potential threat of being bitten by the tail in such situations, emphasizing that there have been no reports of landmines within Thai bunkers. Furthermore, he noted that there is no necessity to contact the United States and Malaysia before addressing Cambodia. He refuted suggestions that the border incident was a diversion tactic by Cambodia to detract from scammer issues and reinforced that the government has no plans to proceed with Memoranda of Understanding 43 and 44.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, addressed the discovery of landmines in Thai military bunkers, stating that no official report had been received yet. However, he confirmed that all four mines observed were located on the Thai side of the border and were not planted by Thai soldiers. A technological investigation indicated that these mines were planted after the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, negating claims that the Declaration is invalid due to non-compliance by the parties involved.
In response to the opposition’s suggestion to notify the United States and Malaysia of the incident before Cambodia, the Prime Minister asserted that there is no need for such communication. He mentioned having given five interviews on the topic, with the Thai Prime Minister’s message already widely disseminated.
Regarding accusations by Mr. Rangsiman Rome, a People’s Party MP, suggesting Cambodian soldiers’ involvement in the incidents as a distraction from scammer activities, the Prime Minister dismissed the claim as irrelevant. He highlighted that the National Police Chief has been actively arresting and prosecuting scammers, emphasizing that claims of inaction or false reports of extraditions and revocations of citizenship do not align with verified agency reports.
On the potential impact of the landmine incident on Memoranda of Understanding 43 and 44, the Prime Minister clarified that MOU 44 pertains to maritime borders and remains inactive. He reiterated that the current government does not intend to pursue MOUs 4, 3, and 44.
Addressing Cambodian media reports likening his emotional reaction to crocodile tears, the Prime Minister opted not to comment extensively, stating instead, “They’re not crocodile tears. Just wait and see, the crocodile will bite you with its tail between its legs.”