Former defence minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit shared insights about clashes with Cambodia, reflecting on key military decisions as he bid farewell to his ministerial post.
Gen Nattaphon yesterday visited the Ministry of Defence to attend a farewell ceremony marking the end of his tenure. The event was attended by officials from the ministry, who presented him with roses as a gesture of appreciation.
During his speech, he thanked the media for their efforts to understand the complexities surrounding the Thai–Cambodian border situation between July and December last year.
He said he had been advised by senior figures to remain largely silent but felt compelled to speak out, noting that otherwise "no one else would dare to speak".
He recounted how affected villagers, farmers and industrial associations had privately asked him for relief measures due to the hardships they faced, yet were reluctant to voice their concerns publicly for fear of backlash.
Gen Nattaphon said he was not discouraged by criticism, explaining that misunderstandings arose because certain sensitive information could not be disclosed without harming national interests or revealing Thai military plans to Cambodia.
"If we don't want to be criticised, we must speak -- but when we cannot speak, we must accept the criticism," he said.
Reflecting on global conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, he observed that force is increasingly being used to resolve disputes, suggesting Thailand may also have to adapt. He emphasised his guiding principle: "Victory without fighting is best; but if we have to fight, we must win."
He revealed that, prior to the two rounds of border clashes, he personally urged his Cambodian counterpart, Gen Tea Seiha, to withdraw troops to avoid conflict. When those efforts failed, Thailand had to prepare to engage, he said.
He also expressed confidence in his successor, Lt Gen Adul Bunthamcharoen, who has served as his deputy and has extensive military and leadership experience.
