In response to questions about whether the airing of documentaries and eerie sound effects constituted a gradual escalation of measures to push back Cambodian nationals, Anutin, also the interior minister, said that he had already delegated full authority to the military to make operational decisions. This included matters of diplomatic engagement, which fall under the remit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reports the Bangkok Post.
Reporters also inquired whether the use of ghostly sound effects near the border might constitute a violation of human rights, given that some members of the Senate had raised concerns.
The prime minister said that he had yet to listen to the audio himself, explaining that he had spent the entire weekend in the field.
Nonetheless, he emphasised that all actions must remain within the bounds of the law – both Thai and international – and must comply with universally accepted norms and principles.
When asked whether such tactics might damage Thailand’s standing on the international stage, Anutin replied: “We are safeguarding our sovereignty.”
On Sunday evening, the ghost-themed broadcast with an open-air film screening near the border was changed to a documentary titled Camp 511, which recounts historical events involving Cambodian refugees who once fled violence in their homeland. Thailand had extended humanitarian support by offering them refuge.
The documentary, presented in the Khmer language, was previously published on the Royal Thai Army’s Facebook page.
It describes the history of “Camp 511”, known officially as the Nong Chan Refugee Camp, which sheltered Cambodians escaping the Cambodian Civil War approximately 40 years ago.
A key segment of the film states: “Nong Chan did more than welcome strangers. It gave them a chance to grow rice, farm, and begin life anew. But some refused to return home, establishing new roots on Thai soil. And today, they seek to encroach and harm Thai soldiers.”
Yesterday (Oct 13), a report from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit revealed that the team had discovered two additional anti-personnel landmines during operations in the Ban Nong Ya Kaeo area in Sa Kaeo’s Khok Sung district.
The first device was identified as a fixed-position anti-personnel mine of the MN79 type, fully operational. Nearby, a second device was found – an operational fixed-position anti-personnel mine of the PMN type.
Both mines were safely neutralised and removed by the EOD team in accordance with standard procedures.
Since the beginning of the clearance mission, from Friday until yesterday, a total of seven anti-personnel landmines have been discovered in the area.