Bangkok: Academics have praised Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul for safeguarding Thailand's dignity by refuting statements made by US President Donald Trump regarding the Thai-Cambodian conflict, emphasizing that the situation was not accidental.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chettha Sapyean, a lecturer at Navamintrathirat Open University, remarked on the verbal exchange between the Thai Prime Minister and President Trump, asserting that Anutin's account was more credible and transparent.
Mr. Chettha noted that Prime Minister Anutin conducted a press conference alongside key ministers, such as the Minister of Commerce and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, underscoring that the information was grounded in government discussions and corroborated by witnesses from negotiations with the US leader. He expressed confidence that the press conference was devoid of inaccuracies or distortions.
In contrast, President Trump's communications were primarily through online posts, deemed less credible compared to official press conferences. The posts seemingly focused more on personal political image-building rather than factual precision, particularly regarding his claim of accidental clashes-a notion rejected by the Thai side.
Mr. Chettha clarified that the conflict was initiated by the killing of a Thai soldier, which led to retaliatory measures, thus portraying Thailand as the affected party, not the instigator. He reiterated that the situation could not be dismissed as an accident.
Prime Minister Anutin's assertion that the incident was not accidental, and his commitment to continue military operations until the threat is neutralized, underscores Thailand's national sovereignty and its resistance against factual distortions or external political influence.
Mr. Chettha emphasized that Anutin's firm stance serves to protect national dignity and provides the international community with a clear understanding of the truth, preventing distorted narratives from damaging Thailand's long-term international competitiveness.
In his view, the Prime Minister's response was timely and appropriate, signaling that Thailand will not defer to superpowers but will assert its identity and sovereignty. This clarity across all platforms aims to prevent future disadvantages on the global stage.
"In moments of significant conflict, strong leadership is crucial. Prime Minister Anutin's immediate response to the media, addressing Trump, demonstrates a robust stance. Psychologically, this boosts the morale of Thai soldiers on the border, instilling confidence in reclaiming Thai territory," Mr. Chettha concluded.