Bangkok: Prime Minister Sihasak Srimuang and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaew have expressed their disapproval of U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments regarding a recent incident involving Thai soldiers stepping on landmines at the Thai-Cambodian border. The Thai leaders assert that Trump’s description of the event as an “accident” is both inaccurate and damaging to Thai sentiments.
According to Thai News Agency, the Thai Foreign Minister emphasized that the landmine incident was not accidental but a deliberate act by Cambodia, involving the replanting of anti-personnel mines. This statement has been corroborated by the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), and Thailand has already presented these facts at the Ottawa Convention Conference in Geneva. The U.S. President’s remarks, therefore, have caused significant unease among the Thai populace, as they perceive them as undermining the gravity of the situation.
The Foreign Minister highlighted the long-standing alliance between Thailand and the United States, underscoring the ongoing security cooperation between the two nations. He expressed disappointment that President Trump’s comments have strained this relationship by mischaracterizing the border incident, thus affecting the rapport between the countries.
Prime Minister Sihasak Srimuang also clarified that there had been no discussions about a ceasefire with President Trump. He noted that any discussions regarding a ceasefire must be based on mutual readiness, citing recent Cambodian attacks as evidence of a lack of genuine commitment to peace from Cambodia.
Furthermore, Mr. Sihasak addressed the broader implications of the incident, noting that it involves not only border clashes but also a battle of narratives on the international stage. He stressed the importance of Thailand clearly communicating the facts to prevent misrepresentation.
The Minister also raised concerns about Thai citizens stranded in Poipet, Cambodia, asserting that the Thai government was eager to facilitate their return. He criticized Cambodia for obstructing the return of Thai citizens, labeling it a violation of international humanitarian laws, while confirming that Thailand is not hindering Cambodian citizens from returning to their country.