Second Army Chief says military ties unaffected

Lt Gen Weewarit

Weewarit sees the trouble confined to the downgrade of diplomatic relations, but no spill-over affecting military ties. Here is the excerpt of his interview:

What is your assessment on the Thai-Cambodian border situation?

The situation is normal along the borders, including the Khao Phra Wiharn area in Si Sa Ket opposite Preah Vihear Temple. No change. Ties between the two peoples [from each country] living at the border remain good.

The 2nd Army will continue to carry out its job within the guidelines laid down by the government and our military superiors. The problem should be resolved at the governmental level.

Do you think recalling of the two countries' ambassadors caused an escalation of tension?

So long as the Cambodian authorities refrain from reinforcing border troops, Thailand will reciprocate that gesture. Presently, negotiations are underway to maintain the same level of military deployment on both sides of the border.

Will the friendly football match - scheduled for November 21-22 at Ban Phum Srol, Si Sa Ket's Kantharalak district - help dissipate tension?

I am confident this is a way to help foster bilateral ties. It is a policy of the Army to develop good neighbourly ties at every level. Provincial authorities from Si Sa Ket and Preah Vihear mutually agreed to hold the football match. The friendly event will include several games, including tug-of-war, petang (petanque) and other local sports.

Is there any special meaning, other than friendly competition?

I am certain about the solidarity of the two peoples. Under normal circumstances, Thais and Cambodians are related. They have been crossing the borders to visit one another [for ages]. The political problems for this past year may have discouraged people-to-people contacts. Sports competition will renew the ties.

What has been the outcome of talks between Cambodia's deputy commander-in-chief General Chea Dara and 3rd Reinforcement Division commander Lt General Sarai Duek?

The two military sides agreed the existing trouble is best resolved by the two governments. The military ties remain cordial. There will be no troop reinforcements along the border.

Military authorities from the respective sides will explain to their people to remain calm.

I can confirm that soldiers from both sides will definitely not draw their weapons against one another. The soldiers will exercise restraint in order to ensure peace.

How is the morale of Thai soldiers and citizens?

In addition to reading reports, I have made several inspection trips to find out first-hand that local residents have no undue concern over the situation. The morale of the soldiers is excellent. The maintenance work on bomb shelters at this juncture is deemed necessary due to the rainy season. This should not be seen as an alarm for a deteriorating [situation].

According to news reports, you made three phone calls to Cambodian military commanders apologising for your remarks about winning if war erupts.

No, my calls were not about apologising. I called to seek reassurances from the Cambodian side to honour the agreement (about no troop reinforcements). Don't believe everything in the news reports.

I wanted their confirmation about abiding by the November 6 talks on troop deployment.

Editor's note: Confusion about the level of Cambodian troops was triggered by a publicity campaign highlighting a troop withdrawal at Preah Vihear Temple followed by the sending in of fresh troops. The Thai side wanted to check if this was a rotation or a reinforcement of trips.