Thailand Denies Using Chemical Weapons in Border Clash
Thailand's military denied Cambodian allegations of chemical weapon use in border clashes, challenging Cambodia to provide scientific evidence and welcoming neutral verification of claims made on social media.
General Praphas Sonjaidee, director of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Information Center, responded on September 14 to Cambodia's allegations that Thailand used chemical weapons in border skirmishes by reaffirming that the Thai armed forces made no such attacks. He stated that Thailand's military is a professional force operating under proper command, rules of engagement, and international law, and has no policy authorizing chemical weapon use against Cambodia. Praphas challenged Cambodia to provide concrete evidence, questioning what substance was detected, its location, collection procedures, chain of custody, and laboratory analysis—and crucially, any scientific proof linking findings to Thai military actions. He stressed that mere accusations of 61 chemical types or 395 affected persons cannot substitute for scientific evidence. Praphas noted Thailand welcomes neutral verification and is prepared to present facts, as the same evidentiary standard must apply to all parties. He cautioned against unverified images, symptoms, and claims circulating on social media without proof. Praphas concluded that while the Thai military defends the nation professionally, all operations must comply with law and international obligations, and called on Cambodia to present evidence through proper investigative channels. He summarized Thailand's position as resting on "Facts, Evidence, International Law and Verification," distinguishing between unproven allegations and demonstrable truth.
