Page 1 741 of 2354 DOCUMENTS BBC Summary of World Broadcasts May 17, 1979, Thursday Thai Rejection of Cambodian Protest on Air Intrusions SOURCE: Bangkok home service 1300 gmt 15 May 79; Text of report (FE/6117/A3/6 and 7): SECTION: PART 3 THE FAR EAST; A. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS; 3. FAR EASTERN RELATIONS; FE/6118/A3/1; LENGTH: 447 words Referring to the accusation that Thai L-19 aircraft had violated the air space of the People's Republic of Kampuchea over the town of Poipet several times in the past two weeks and penetrated 9 km deep inside Kampuchean territory late last month, the Supreme Command information office wishes to make it known that this accusation is groundless. This is because the Thai armed forces not only always strictly adhere to their policy of avoiding any act which might lead the entire Thai nation into involvement in conflicts created by others, but also regard it as their duty to implement the government's policy of neutrality for the sake of national stability. To give a better understanding of events, the Supreme Command information office would like to inform the fraternal Thai people about the military operations as follows: (1) Because of the accusation, the Supreme Command Headquarters questioned the air force and the army on this matter. The air force reported that no L-19 aircraft had been sent to operate in the border areas during that period. Every flight made by air force pilots is monitored by the air force air traffic control system. All pilots have been instructed not to overfly the territory of other countries. The army also reported that no L-19 aircraft had operated along the border with Kampuchea during that period and that it would be impossible for an aircraft from another area to fly across the border areas without being detected. (2) According to the opinion of officials from various agencies, because part of Aranyaprathet District, Prachin Buri Province, protrudes into Kampuchean territory about 7 km south-east of Poipet, people in the area opposite Aranyaprathet District might get the wrong impression that aircraft flying in the area had violated Kampuchean air space. The fraternal Thai people are hereby informed. However, it may be added that Thailand has been facing very severe problems caused by the actions of its neighbouring countries without making any complaint or protest against anybody. This includes the influx of huge numbers of refugees and those who illegally enter the country along the border, the inestimable damage caused to crops by these people, as well as the open violations of Thai territory by Kampuchean soldiers belonging to different sides now well known to the whole world. The Thai authorities and people have exercised restraint in facing these problems and difficulties for the sake of friendship and peace. However, should any attempt be made to escalate the conflict, the Thai armed forces stand ready to defend the country's sovereignty and the Thai people's wellbeing. LANGUAGE: ENGLISH Page 2 Thai Rejection of Cambodian Protest on Air Intrusions BBC Summary of World Broadcasts May 17, 1979, Thursday Copyright 1979 The British Broadcasting Corporation.