Cambodian Military Chief Responds to Senate President's Comments

Cambodian Chief of Defence Forces Admiral Sao Wirat "Songwit" yesterday responded to remarks made by Senate President Hun Sen regarding the Cambodian military's capabilities. Hun Sen had mentioned that the military possesses long-range weapons capable of reaching Bangkok, but has chosen not to use them. Songwit clarified that the military follows the constitution and works to safeguard sovereignty, and that all branches of the armed forces are committed to protecting the people in the area. He emphasized the importance of security, cooperation between military intelligence and the police, and the regular nature of counter-terrorism training exercises.

Key Takeaways:

• The Cambodian military has chosen not to use its long-range weapons capable of reaching Bangkok, according to Senate President Hun Sen.
• Songwit stated that the military follows the constitution and works to safeguard sovereignty, and that all branches of the armed forces are committed to protecting the people in the area.
• The chief of defence forces emphasized the importance of security and cooperation between military intelligence and the police.
• The counter-terrorism training conducted was a regular exercise, not a response to a specific threat.
• Songwit declined to comment on whether he had given words of encouragement to the Prime Minister, stating that the military's stance is to protect sovereignty as outlined in the constitution.

Statistics:

• The Cambodian military possesses long-range weapons capable of reaching Bangkok.
• The 2nd Army Region is currently handling the preparation of emergency plans in the event of military action along the border.
• The bombings in the southern economic zones were primarily the responsibility of the police.

Sources:

• Songwit, Sao Wirat, Chief of Defence Forces
• Hun Sen, Senate President