BANGKOK — Thai government dismissed Cambodia’s kidnapping accusations regarding 20 detained soldiers, with Deputy Defense Minister General Nattapol Nakpanich vowing to counter disinformation with facts and humanitarian principles despite criticism of the government’s communication strategy.
General Nattapol Nakpanich, who heads the Thai-Cambodia Border Situation Management Center, rejected Cambodia’s accusations that Thailand kidnapped 20 Cambodian soldiers, explaining they had trespassed into Thai territory and must complete legal proceedings.
The 20 Cambodian soldiers surrendered after running out of ammunition in the Chong Sam Taet area, Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province. All face legal proceedings for illegal entry, while two injured soldiers received medical treatment at Weerawat Yothin Camp Hospital in Surin under security supervision.
“When we detained them, the army treated them well – provided food, bathing facilities, toothbrushes, and medical care for the injured. We were preparing to send them back, but Cambodia claimed we kidnapped them. We must protect ourselves by questioning them and recording testimony to prove they weren’t kidnapped, as future evidence before returning them humanely,” he said.
Gen. Nattapol emphasized that countering misinformation requires factual responses, which may be slower but more effective than distorted information.
Communication Criticism
Deputy Defense Minister’s statement reflects criticism from some Thai citizens and media who are dissatisfied with the government’s communication approach, viewed as responding too slowly and always appearing one step behind Cambodia. This was particularly evident when Cambodia brought international military attachés to view damaged areas from earlier clashes on July 30, while Thailand scheduled its diplomatic tour for August 1.
Gen. Nattapol explained that Cambodia could bring military diplomats because they were confident Thailand had truly ceased fire, but Thailand wasn’t certain Cambodia had genuinely stopped. Given Cambodia’s violation of agreements in the first two days, bringing military attachés into potential gunfire would make Thailand responsible for any incidents. Only after Cambodia successfully brought diplomats to the area could Thailand be confident it was safe to proceed.
“The media may not be pleased that after they treated us that way, we still show humanity. But I must emphasize we will fight distortion with facts and humanity. We must uphold the law. If we acted like them, we’d be no better. I apologize to all citizens and media for this,” he said.
Communication Strategy Overhaul
Lieutenant Colonel Surasant Kongsiri, spokesperson for the Thai-Cambodia Border Situation Management Center, stated that the center is accelerating communication integration, providing comprehensive information to Thai and foreign media in a one-stop service format to reduce misunderstandings and counter disinformation. Concrete results are expected within 1-2 days.
Foreign Ministry Deputy Director-General Maratee Nalita Andamo said foreign media will be crucial for sharing facts with the international community during the August 1 site visit, focusing on actual damage to civilian infrastructure that Cambodia targeted in violation of international humanitarian law.
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