Thai Army to deploy historical strategic operation to deal with Cambodia

The Thai army has decided to launch an operation, known as the ‘Chakraphong Phuvanaat military strategy’, to deal with Cambodia following another landmine detonation in the Chong An Ma pass, in Nam Yuen district of Ubon Ratchathani province today, in which a Thai soldier lost a leg.

The ‘Chakraphong Phuvanaat strategy’ was originally drawn up by General Chalermphol Srisawat, former commander of the Thai armed forces and a decorated cavalry officer, when he served as the chief of the Army Directorate of Operations.

The strategy was employed by the Thai army during the armed conflict with Cambodia over the Khao Phra Vihaan ancient ruins in Sa Sa Ket province.

It is actually more than just a military strategy. It is also a blueprint, deeply rooted in history and the far-sightedness of Thai leaders in times past, similar to a game of chess.

Army Commander in Chief General Pana Klaewplodthuk will lead senior officers, including the commander of the Second Army Region, Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, to visit the Chong An Ma pass on Thursday, to assess the situation and to map out the military operations.

Meanwhile, Army Spokesman Maj-Gen Winthai Suvaree said that the anti-personnel landmines, which were allegedly laid by Cambodian forces on Thai soil, were manufactured when the USSR was still in existence, not modern Russia. He urged the media to refer such ordnance at ‘Soviet-made’, to avoid any misunderstanding.