Loudspeakers installed in several sites in Si Sa Ket ahead of landmark ruling
LOUDSPEAKERS HAVE been installed by the Thai military at several locations in Si Sa Ket province adjacent to Preah Vihear Temple in readiness for the landmark International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on land surrounding the ancient site.
A local Army unit commander said they wanted to ensure constant communication with the Cambodian military to prevent any possible disturbances in the run-up to the judgement.
Routine messages have already been sent out in Khmer after the installation of the loudspeakers, at the direct order of Army commander General Prayuth Chan-ocha, said Colonel Thanasak Mittraphanon, commander of Taskforce One.
Providing explanations
"In case there are any accidental gunshots or a similar commotion on the Thai side, messages will be sent out to the Cambodian soldiers to explain to them, before the two sides engage out of a misunderstanding," the colonel explained.
Among the more than 10 sites where loudspeakers have been installed are Phu Makhua and Sat Som, he said.
The taskforce is attached to the Suranari Force under the Second Army Region, which operates in the Northeast including the border province next to Cambodia.
A large number of Thais visited Preah Vihear during yesterday's holiday, saying they wanted to see and take pictures of the ancient Hindu temple, and the Mor E Dang cliff it is situated on, before the ICJ ruling is read out on November 11.
Prayuth, speaking earlier in a press interview, said the military was ready to handle the situation relating to the ICJ ruling "in all aspects", while retaining communication with the Cambodian military.
"The Army maintains that its duty is to safeguard the country and sovereignty, and all units have been instructed to stay alert while keeping up good relations with our neighbour," he added.
"I hope nothing bad is going to happen, as the Thai and Cambodian military are in constant contact at all levels, as are the governments of both countries. Whatever happens, there needs to be dialogue to sort everything out. Let's not speculate now about anything good or bad that might happen," he said.
Prayuth also called on the media not to be prematurely speculative about the issue, especially on the potential negative effects of the ruling, or on anything connecting this international affair with domestic politics.
Supreme Commander General Thanasak Pratimapakorn and Defence Ministry permanent secretary General Niphat Thonglek echoed Prayuth, saying all necessary measures had been adopted ahead of the ICJ ruling, adding that the situation would be dealt with through peaceful and diplomatic means.
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