BANGKOK, Thailand – The Thai News Agency (TNA) reports that the Royal Thai Army has clearly explained how Cambodia violated the Geneva Convention by pointing out that the latter’s military attacked civilian targets, which is an act deemed unacceptable.
International laws, often called the laws of war, exist to protect civilians, medical personnel, prisoners of war, and wounded soldiers during armed conflict. The Geneva Conventions, born from the harsh lessons of past wars, are a central part of these humanitarian laws. Key principles include distinguishing between combatants and civilians, proportionality, providing advance warnings of attacks, military necessity, and humanity. Thailand became a party to the four Geneva Conventions on August 12th, 1949.
According to the TNA, these conventions aim to limit the effects of conflict and protect non-combatants. The Fourth Geneva Convention specifically relates to the protection of civilian persons in time of war. Firing on Thai civilian targets is a direct breach of this convention and its additional protocols, which forbid direct and indiscriminate attacks on civilian populations. Such violations can be considered war crimes.
Attacks on hospitals are an even more explicit violation, strictly forbidden unless the facility is used for military purposes, and even then, a clear warning must be given. The attack on Phanom Dong Rak hospital does not meet this exception.
Cultural and archaeological sites are also protected under international humanitarian law, and their destruction is an attack on the history and pride of both nations. Historically, violations of the convention demand justice through compensation for losses and injuries, and those responsible for war crimes must be investigated and prosecuted. (NNT)
