1. All of the clashes that took place were not initiated by Thailand. Thailand responded to Cambodia’s provocation in self-defence while exercising utmost restraint. Its response were aimed only at military targets and confined to the areas of the clashes in an attempt to contain the incidents from escalating.
2. Thailand has neither the intention nor the desire to seize territory of a neighbouring country. Nor does it intend to start a war to invade another country. The duty of the Royal Thai Armed Forces is to defend the country and safeguard Thailand’s national security.
3. It is regrettable that at this moment Cambodian armed forces have been reinforcing their positions in many areas along the Thai-Cambodian border, increasing tensions along the border unnecessarily. The Royal Thai Government therefore wishes to reaffirm that no action will be taken that may lead to violence, and that we will act with utmost restraint to any provocation. The Royal Thai Armed Forces will undertake its duty to protect Thailand’s national interest to the best of their ability.
4. Approach for future action:
4.1 The Royal Thai Government will provide protection to the life and property of Thai citizens residing along the border. We will expeditiously provide all necessary assistance to alleviate the plight of those affected by the clashes and restore and rehabilitate affected areas, including by healing the psychological wounds inflicted upon affected Thai citizens and repairing damaged properties and other public utilities.
4.2 The Royal Thai Government will present to the United Nations Security Council on 14 February 2011, an accurate account of recent developments as well as provide information about the state of the overall bilateral relations between Thailand and Cambodia, which have progressed well in political, economic and social aspects, with amicable interactions between the peoples of both countries. It will also emphasize Thailand’s commitment and efforts to resolve the situation peacefully through dialogue. The Government will inform the public of the afore-mentioned proposals and facts at the earliest opportunity.
4.3 The Royal Thai Government adheres to its international obligations and bilateral agreements with Cambodia. It is determined to resolve the border issue in the area surrounding the Temple of Phra Viharn with Cambodia by peaceful means through the Thai-Cambodian Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary and on the basis of the 1904 Convention between Siam and France, which stated that the watershed line would be used to demarcate the boundary in that area, as well as the Memorandum of Understanding between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Kingdom of Cambodia on the Survey and Demarcation of Land Boundary of 2000. In this regard, the Royal Thai Government will prevent the border dispute from affecting close relations between Thais and Cambodians, and it will continue to pursue joint development projects to improve the quality of life of both peoples.
4.4 The Royal Thai Government seeks the understanding of both Thai and Cambodian people that the Government and people of Thailand harbour no ill-will towards the people of Cambodia. The Royal Thai Government therefore calls upon the citizens of both countries to exercise patience and restraint in the face of any provocation that could lead to tension and armed clashes between the two countries.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th