Thai Army Calls For Press Cooperation Not To Report News on Troop Movement

Si Saket 7 February 2011 -- MCOT

Si Saket provincial governor has denied news reports which state that Cambodian troops have occupied some areas in Thai territory.  Meanwhile, security authorities have confirmed that Cambodia was first to open fires, resulting in the fresh border clashes this morning [ 7 Feb].

Si Saket governor has held a press conference on the damages resulting from the clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops last night [ 6 Feb], saying that two monk's houses and one civilian's kitchen, located in the Soa Thongchai Sub-district of Kantharalak District, have been damaged.  At the same time, a trace of artillery shelling -- measured at five  meter wide and 80 centimeter deep - were found on a road in the area.

Meanwhile, 2nd Region Army Information Center has presented summary of the clashes that erupted at around 0830 [ 0130 GMT, 7 Feb], indicating that Cambodia began firing guns, mortar guns, and recoilless rifles.  Thailand did not retaliate. 

The Army Information Center confirmed that the temporary shelter at the Kantharalak District Office is a safe zone, and that the 14 soldiers wounded in the clashes have already been transported for further medical treatments at Saprasitthiprasong Hospital in Ubonratchathani Province.

In addition, the Center has asked for cooperation from the press not to publicize news on Thai troop location, troop reinforcement, or relocation of soldiers or weaponry in a bid to prevent Cambodia from leaning about Thai troop movement.   The governor said that , not only would those reports jeopardize Thai soldiers' security, it would also send villagers into panic.

The Center also added that, in order to prevent any confusion, the provincial authorities will take responsibility in presenting official information through the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand and its 87 relay stations.  The authorities will also hold a daily briefing at 1000.