Army Chief Denies Armed Confrontation with Cambodia

BANGKOK: -- The commander of the Royal Thai Army has claimed he is not concerned about the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border. He said he is confident that the governments of both countries will be able to resolve the issue through negotiations.

Commander of the Royal Thai Army, General Anupong Paojinda, has reaffirmed that there is no military mobilization along the Cambodian border, and that soldiers from both countries are maintaining a cordial relationship.

However, Anupong refused to comment on Cambodia submitting a letter to the United Nations and Vietnam, requesting them to mediate the dispute. He said only that it is a matter of international affairs.

However, the army chief said the two countries are conducting negotiations in order to prevent the dispute from escalating into an armed confrontation.

Anupong also said he believes talks between the two sides should be conducted at every level.

When asked to comment on the Cabinet's decision to cancel the emergency decree in three more provinces, Anupong responded that it is possible that the state of the emergency could be lifted in more provinces, and the decision is being made by many authorities.

Anupong said he believes it will be difficult for the anti-government movement to conduct underground activities.

In addition, the army chief pointed out that the army has been meeting with the public to tell them the truth to counter false allegations.

In the evening, Anupong and Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Army and Anupong's successor, Prayuth Chanocha, met and congratulated Aziz Pitakkhumpol, the newly appointed spiritual leader of Thai Muslims Aziz, has pledged to cooperate with the military in addressing the violence in the southernmost region of the country.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-17

Seems the 'defacto' leader of the country has a pretty good handle on things.

Seems the 'defacto' leader of the country has a pretty good handle on things.

Who is the defacto leader? I thought it is Prem? No?

Seems the 'defacto' leader of the country has a pretty good handle on things.

Who is the defacto leader? I thought it is Prem? No?

Each to his own as they say.

Was Chaiyasit Shinawatra the "defacto" leader of Thailand when he held the same position as Anupong?

Was Chaiyasit Shinawatra the "defacto" leader of Thailand when he held the same position as Anupong?

You must be joking, right?