thailand clarifies gulf

Thailand Clarifies Gulf Restrictions, Targeting Only Thai Vessels to Disrupt Cambodian Supplies

ByJustpaste.in

BANGKOK – Thai military officials have clarified that newly announced maritime restrictions in the Gulf of Thailand are not a blockade of the sea, but a targeted measure applying solely to Thai-flagged vessels. The move is aimed at preventing the flow of fuel and military supplies into Cambodia amid ongoing border hostilities.

The clarification from Navy Captain Nara Khunthothom, assistant spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy, came a day after initial announcements caused confusion. He stated that certain areas have been designated “high-risk zones” due to security concerns, citing the risk of vessels being struck by what he described as Cambodia’s indiscriminate use of weapons. Captain Nara emphasized that the action does not constitute a closure of the Gulf of Thailand, a measure he said would only be considered in a full-scale war and would impact all nationalities.

“The declaration of a high-risk zone is neither a blockade nor a closure of the Gulf,” Captain Nara said. “This operation concerns a bilateral conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, and our actions must not impact third countries.” He reiterated that the term “blockade” should be avoided and confirmed the restrictions are limited to Thai vessels, stating, “We will take all necessary steps to cut off these supplies.”

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When questioned about foreign vessels potentially carrying contraband, Captain Nara stated Thailand could not take action affecting third countries, as doing so risked expanding the conflict beyond the two nations.

Army Deputy Spokesperson Colonel Richa Suksuvanon, speaking at the same press briefing, stated that intelligence had confirmed the importation of fuel and military supplies into Cambodia, necessitating Thailand’s control measures. He declined to disclose specific routes being monitored.

Air Force Spokesperson Air Vice Marshal Chakrit Thammavichai added that the Air Force is coordinating with the army and navy to strike logistical routes, including bridges, to degrade the enemy’s ability to resupply frontline forces. These operations, he said, aim to shorten the conflict and minimize impact on civilians.

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Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, spokesperson for the Defense Ministry, noted that if evidence emerges of military supplies being transported through third countries, the matter would require inter-ministerial coordination.

-Thailand News (TN)

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