The Japanese embassy to Cambodia has denied that the Japanese government has any plans to provide combat drones to Thailand and confirmed it has never received such a request from Thailand.
This denial was issued on Wednesday, August 6, after the embassy became aware that such rumours were circulating.
“This information is FALSE. The Government of Japan has never planned to provide such equipment to Thailand nor has received such a request from Thailand,” it said.
The embassy explained that Japanese international assistance is strictly limited to areas not directly related to international conflict.
According to Japanese law, under the guidelines for the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology, Japan can only export fully assembled defense equipment when it is intended for rescue, transportation, vigilance, surveillance or minesweeping.
It also thanked the public in advance for not continuing to spread and share such false information.
The government of Japan places the utmost importance on the implementation of the ceasefire agreement reached between Cambodia and Thailand and on the early restoration of peace. It sincerely hopes that the people of Cambodia can go back to peaceful daily life as soon as possible.
Recently, Ambassador Ueno Atsushi joined other diplomats and foreign representatives on a field visit to shelters for citizens displaced from the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict areas.
The visit, organised by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn, took place in areas affected by the conflict in Oddar Meanchey province.
Following the visit, ambassador Ueno noted that he visited areas affected by the military clashes between Cambodia and Thailand, as well as shelters for displaced civilians.
“Witnessing the extent of the damage caused by the military clashes and the plight of the displaced civilians, I felt a deep sense of sorrow,” he said.
He expressed his deepest condolences to those who lost their lives and offer his sympathy to those who have been affected. At the same time, he earnestly hoped that complete peace will be restored as soon as possible, noting that he and his government will make every effort to achieve it.
