The ministry and provincial administrations ban the use of drones during this period of tension. - PPP/ANN
PHNOM PENH: As of 8am Tuesday (Dec 30), the situation along the border remains calm following the December 27 joint statement between Cambodia and Thailand, in which both sides committed to an immediate ceasefire, according to Ministry of National Defence spokesperson Maly Socheata.
During a morning press briefing, Socheata stated that on December 29, the Thai military accused Cambodia of flying 250 UAV drones along the border and entering Thai territory—an accusation Cambodia strongly denied. She clarified that the ministry and provincial administrations have already banned the use of drones during this period of tension.
“We strongly ban all kinds of drones without permission in all provinces, especially along the provinces bordering Thailand, such as Koh Kong, Pursat, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, and Pailin,” she said.
“Any individuals that use drones without permission will be held accountable according to the law. The Command Headquarters of the Air Force and Air Defence will work with the military police; all administrations and local authorities must increase their inspection on the use of drones to ensure public security and order,” she added.
Socheata noted that the military is authorised to use anti-drone systems to shoot down any drone violating the directive.
As of this morning, the Cambodian public is counting down to 12pm with high expectations that the 18 captured Cambodian soldiers will be released. They have been in Thai military custody for 154 days, since July 29.
The December 27 joint statement indicated that they would be released 72 hours after the ceasefire. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
