On 8 March 2012, Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Director-General of Department of Information and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, responded to media enquiries concerning reports by Cambodian media accusing Thai officers of firing at Cambodians who entered Thai territory for illegal logging, resulting in several deaths. Gist as follows:

1. Since the beginning of 2012, there were approximately 400 arrests for illegal logging in Thai territory with only six shooting incidents. Moreover, since 2009 when illegal logging in Thai territory has been increasing, 20 shooting incidents out of approximately 1,400 cases were reported.

2. The occurrence of occasional shootings was due to the fact that Cambodian illegal loggers were accompanied and protected by armed groups who fired at Thai soldiers patrolling the area, with a view to avoiding arrest. Thai soldiers only fired in self-defense.

3. However, illegal logging in Thai territory is highly lucrative and in high demand in the international market, resulting in the increase of illegal logging activities.

4. All Thai agencies concerned have recently discussed ways and means to solve the illegal logging problem in Thailand which includes gathering all necessary information, coordinating with all relevant agencies both in Thailand and Cambodia, and coming up with effective measures to jointly prevent and resolve the problem.

5. On 28 February 2012, Mr. Sompong Sanguanbun, Thai Ambassador to Cambodia, discussed the issue of illegal logging with Mr. Long Visalo, Cambodia’s Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The Thai side reaffirmed that the Thai authorities have always firmly adhered to international law in investigating and prosecuting those Cambodian illegal loggers illegally entering Thai territory. However, Thai officers had to respond in self-defense when fired upon by the Cambodian illegal loggers. Such act of self-defense is fully in compliance with international law. The Thai side also proposed that discussions between the agencies concerned of both countries should be held to resolve the problem.

6. Thailand will host the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia on 21 – 22 May 2012. The meeting will be co-chaired by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. On this occasion, the Thai side will raise this issue to jointly find a concrete and effective solution to prevent and suppress illegal logging.

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12 March 2012