The Nation
Opinion
One does not have to be an apologist for the less-than-fragrant Phnom Penh regime to recognise the accuracy of the Cambodian foreign minister's complaint that Thailand's government and military speak with different tongues over the border dispute (The Nation news report, April 10).
Anybody with a modicum of experience of Thai affairs realises that ultimately it is the military that calls the shots (excuse the pun). This was shown during the domestic crackdown last May, when Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was a "house guest" at Army HQ, and earlier this year, when fighting broke out on the border unbeknown to Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, who was in Phnom Penh ostensibly negotiating at the time.
Of course, persistent and credible accusations of the inexcusable use of cluster bombs by the Thai side at Preah Vihear in February may well reinforce the reluctance of the Thai authorities, and the Army in particular, to involve outside observers, facilitators or mediators. This topic is very well covered in your editorial of April 11.
It is all a far cry from one of the generally accepted tenets of a functioning democracy, that the military is subject to the authority of an elected executive and has a duty to protect civilians.
To adapt an old saying to the situation here: the government proposes; the army disposes.
Citizen Jane
Bangkok
2 comments:
Then, what's the best strategy to defeat ah-siem?
All suggestions are welcome but please, be serious. This is no laughing matter.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.
Did you know that Thai put all their military might near Preah Vehear?
If I am the minister of defense in Cambodia, this is what I would do.
I build up equipments, convoys and troops and enter Thailand where there is no military present.
You move all your troops to the center of Thailand strike from there.
Thailand will naturally move their many of troops from Preah Vehear, when they do that you squash the remaining troops that would left behind and enter all the way to chase after the troops who would be moving to Khmer troop inside their territory.
The Thai troops are then sandwiching between two side of Khmer troops inside their own territory.
There is more I can do, it's all for now.
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