Burmese shelling cannot be ignored
Source : Maj-Gen Sirapong Boonpat, Army Secretary, Bangkok Post (April 03)
According to the article "Warning fire triggers fresh tirade from junta" (Bangkok Post, May 1), the Thai army's shelling of Burmese positions across the border on Sunday was an "unnecessary aggravation" designed to give artillery support to the Shan rebels.
The Royal Thai Army would like to clarify that the fighting between Burmese troops and the rebels along the Thai-Burmese border has directly affected Thailand. Property and the lives of villagers living along the border are in danger and they are being evacuated to safety due to the shells fired from Burma landing on Thai soil. The Third Army has fired artillery and mortar warning shots towards the area where shells spilled over the border. The Royal Thai Army has to protect our sovereignty and bring peace and security to Thai people.