Bangkok Post
The government will not send Phom Penh a protest letter over the incident when Cambodian troops fired on a Thai military supply helicopter on the border in Trat province last week, Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said on Tuesday.
Cambodia had expressed regret over the incident, which he has previously described as “a mistake in communications”, and so Thailand should not pursue this matter and stir up fresh conflict, he said.
Democrat Party spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut on Monday strongly criticised Mr Surapong for failing to lodge a protest with Cambodia over the incident.
Mr Chavanond quoted Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Banh as saying the Thai navy helicopter had crossed into Cambodian airspace. However, Mr Surapong claimed the shooting was the result of a misunderstanding, he said.
He questioned why the Foreign Affairs Ministry had not sent a letter of protest about Gen Tea Banh’s remark.
Navy commander in chief Admiral Surasak Runroengrom said that Cambodian and Thai military representatives had met to discuss the incident on Monday, and the Cambodian 3rd Military Region chief had apologised for the unprovoked attack.
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon last week. The Thai helicopter, a Bell 212, was on a regular supply delivery flight to troops stationed on the border when it was fired at by Cambodian soldiers. The bullets hit the main rotor blades and the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing. There were no injuries.
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