MGR Online — Cambodia's Minister of Information has taken to social media to express the view that no matter what statements Thailand may issue denying or refusing to acknowledge the conflict that has occurred, the physical evidence of armed attacks by the Thai military on Cambodian territory makes it impossible for Thailand to deny.
Neth Pheaktra posted on his personal Facebook account that the truth cannot be erased, because the tangible evidence of the attacks speaks for itself.
The minister cited bomb craters he said were caused by airstrikes carried out by F-16 and Gripen fighter jets, cluster munition fragments and other military ordnance, damage to various ancient temples including Preah Vihear and Ta Kwaey, and civilian homes and property destroyed during the attacks.
He also cited civilian deaths and injuries as evidence, saying these things cannot be rewritten.
He further stated that the placement of shipping containers, installation of barbed wire, blocking of roads, and attempts to create a fait accompli in the disputed area all reflect the consequences of the use of military force.
The Cambodian minister reiterated that while narratives may be contested, the physical evidence of destruction remains. He said that bomb craters, damaged structures, and the human losses from the conflict cannot be erased by propaganda or statements of denial.
He called for all evidence to be preserved, documented, verified, and presented to the international community in order to protect the truth, ensure accountability, and prevent the use of force from becoming a means of creating a new reality on the ground in place of international law.
Neth Pheaktra concluded by saying that in the end, truth depends on evidence, and expressed confidence that the international community will reach its conclusions by referring to the facts as presented.
