Army defends psych-ops

'Ghost sounds' spook villagers at border

- POST REPORTERS

The military defended its operations along the border yesterday, following Cambodia's complaint to the interim observer team (IOT) over the use of so-called "ghostly sounds", insisting that all activities took place strictly within Thai territory.

Maj Gen Benjapol Dechatiwong Na Ayutthaya, commander of the Burapha Task Force, brushed off the protest, saying, "They can complain all they want. Everything we did was on Thai soil. My men were on duty through the night and needed to stay alert. I simply helped them stay awake. It's our land. They can file whatever they like, I don't care."

He added that troop morale remained high and Thai soldiers are ready to act "whenever and wherever" they are needed.

Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, army spokesman, echoed the sentiment, noting recent incursions by Cambodian officials and civilians.

"Cambodian authorities had mobilised civilians alongside officials to provoke and obstruct Thai residents. Some Thai groups responded using loudspeakers to express their discontent — nonviolently — against the encroachment and distortions by the Cambodian side," he said.