Cambodian border needs modern demarcation: Army chief

By The Nation
Published on January 10, 2011

Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-Ocha has called for a new push to solve border disputes with Cambodia, saying the previous demarcation was carried out 300 years ago with low technology.

"Only elephants were used and no planes. We looked at trees but those trees have died. Waterways, land and other environmental conditions have changed. If we do not hold talks on demarcation, we will face this same old problem,'' he said.

Prayuth said the Army would not let the country lose territory and was ready to protect national sovereignty but in recent case of seven Thais accused of trespassing into Cambodian territory the Army had to wait as it was still being deal with by a court.

"If a land demarcation is clear, and the other side encroaches upon our territory, there will be shootings [in defence],'' he said.

To prevent the two countries going to war over encroachment claims, he said both must sign a pact or enter an agreement. He cited the fighting over Nong Chan, saying Cambodia agreed to leave the area after there had been a demarcation.

He said the seven Thais should have informed the First Army Region before entering the contentious area.

He stressed three basics for foreign policies with neighbouring countries that would ensure smooth bilateral ties: understanding, trust and equality.

The Army chief assured that under this management, there would be fair treatment for all soldiers and no discrimination and favouritism.

"You cannot say you (must get better treatment) because you are from Burapa group. I do not care,'' he said.

He also voiced concern over the lack of modern weapons and equipment, saying the country spent only 1.6 per cent of GDP on arms purchases, which in his view was very little. "If you compare the number of soldiers, we are stronger. But I ask what we should do since our equipment is more outdated. Our neighbouring countries get foreign support but we do not get that because they think we can depend on ourselves."

As Army chief, he believed he had a responsibility to take good care of soldiers and their families in order to give them faith.

"If we can create faith, they are ready to go to war. It is almost like we give them an order to go to die. If we cannot take care of their wives and children and they feel that they do not know what they are fighting for, that is dangerous.

"Do not let the military fall into that state. Today, if the military does not come out to take care of the country, if soldiers do not follow orders and do their duty, the country cannot survive."
Prayuth expressed strong disapproval over people who abused the monarchy. "No matter how they fight against each other, do not involve the monarchy. Let the high institution be above politics,'' he said. "Every baht and satang that he has been given, he donates it to his people, to the poor and the less privileged. The King has never sought or asked for any thing, as alleged,'' he said.