https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around Thailandenhttps://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thailand-boosts-defences-amid-cambodia-tensions-r1795/Thailand is increasing military readiness and accelerating defence modernisation as tensions with Cambodia continue over both land and maritime disputes. The developments have raised concerns about the risk of renewed confrontation along the Thai-Cambodian border and in contested maritime areas. Get today's headlines by email The latest diplomatic signal came from Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, who urged Cambodia not to rely on bilateral negotiations with Thailand following Bangkok’s cancellation of MOU 44. Instead, he called for compulsory conciliation under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) before considering other legal processes. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Thailand was not particularly concerned by the remarks, noting that both countries already understood each other’s positions. He confirmed Thailand would also follow UNCLOS procedures, although no timetable or format for further talks has been decided. Thailand’s position appears to be that it has little reason to move first if Cambodia refuses bilateral negotiations. Thai officials believe the country retains strategic advantages and note that arbitration cannot proceed without the agreement of both sides. Tensions have also remained sensitive along the land border. The Second Army Region reported a provocative incident involving Cambodian soldiers in the O’Smach area near Chong Chom in Surin province on May 13. Thai forces reportedly detected 10 to 15 Cambodian soldiers and two foreign nationals near the barbed-wire boundary while filming video footage in an area allegedly linked to scammer activity. After verbal warnings were ignored, Thai soldiers fired two warning shots in line with security measures. According to Thai authorities, the action aimed to prevent encroachment and avoid violations of the joint statement agreed in December 2025. Later that evening, Cambodian soldiers reportedly fired 11 shots near Hill 278 east of the Chong Chom permanent border crossing before gunfire spread along the eastern side of the road leading towards O’Smach. Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, spokesman for the Royal Thai Army, said Cambodian commanders and government officials often made statements that differed from actions on the ground. He said gunfire and explosion-like sounds had continued since the ceasefire and described them as provocative behaviour. Winthai added that similar incidents had been reported several times this year along more than 400 kilometres of the Thai-Cambodian border. Thai authorities continue to monitor developments closely. Another issue under investigation involves Sun Mingchen, a Chinese national arrested on firearms and explosives-related charges. Police said they had not found evidence of a planned sabotage operation in Thailand, although the investigation remains ongoing. Sun reportedly carried both Chinese and Cambodian passports and had travelled repeatedly in and out of Thailand since 2024, a period viewed as the start of the latest phase of tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. Investigators allegedly found videos linked to weapons training and military-style activity involving Cambodian soldiers near Cambodia’s Special Forces 911 unit. Police also discovered online searches related to sabotage and explosives. Thai authorities are continuing to examine possible links and determine whether other individuals were involved. Thailand’s armed forces are also strengthening military capabilities across all branches. In April, Cambodia’s navy received two Chinese-made Type 056 corvettes designed for patrol, coastal surveillance and maritime security operations. The vessels are equipped for close-range air defence, anti-ship operations and naval gunfire missions. One Type 056 guided-missile corvette is currently docked at Pier 1 of Ream Naval Base, opposite Koh Kut in Trat province. The Royal Thai Navy said the development does not change Thailand’s ability to defend maritime sovereignty, maintaining that Thailand still holds superior naval capability. However, the navy confirmed it is closely monitoring Cambodian movements and external military support. Thailand is also progressing with procurement plans for a new frigate under the fiscal year 2026 budget. Six companies from four countries have submitted proposals, with the process expected to conclude before Royal Thai Navy chief Adm Pairote Fuangchan retires on October 30. Budget constraints have delayed a second frigate project until fiscal year 2028. Meanwhile, the S26T submarine project remains on schedule, with final payment due in fiscal year 2027 and delivery expected by late 2028 or early 2029. The Royal Thai Air Force is also accelerating plans to replace ageing F-16 fighter jets. Air force chief ACM Seksan Kantha is overseeing progress on the Gripen E/F procurement programme in Stockholm, Sweden, where production has begun. The air force now plans to combine the second and third procurement phases into a single fiscal year 2028 project to acquire eight aircraft at once. The goal is to have the new fighters operational by 2032. The Nation reported that Thai military planners believe maintaining strong deterrence will remain critical in any future negotiations with Cambodia. Officials also warn that previous border tensions in 2011 and 2025 were accompanied by domestic turmoil, including political interference, fake news, provocation and sabotage. Pictures courtesy of The Nation Thai-warning-shots-fired-at-brit-at-Cambodia-border Thai-army-says-Cambodian-troops-fired-near-O-Smach Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 16 May 2026Fri, 15 May 2026 20:40:34 +0000Thailand is increasing military readiness and accelerating defence modernisation as tensions with Cambodia continue over both land and maritime disputes. The developments have raised concerns about the risk of renewed confrontation along the Thai-Cambodian border and in contested maritime areas. Get today's headlines by email The latest diplomatic signal came from Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, who urged Cambodia not to rely on bilateral negotiations with Thailand following Bangkok’s cancellation of MOU 44. Instead, he called for compulsory conciliation under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) before considering other legal processes. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Thailand was not particularly concerned by the remarks, noting that both countries already understood each other’s positions. He confirmed Thailand would also follow UNCLOS procedures, although no timetable or format for further talks has been decided. Thailand’s position appears to be that it has little reason to move first if Cambodia refuses bilateral negotiations. Thai officials believe the country retains strategic advantages and note that arbitration cannot proceed without the agreement of both sides. Tensions have also remained sensitive along the land border. The Second Army Region reported a provocative incident involving Cambodian soldiers in the O’Smach area near Chong Chom in Surin province on May 13. Thai forces reportedly detected 10 to 15 Cambodian soldiers and two foreign nationals near the barbed-wire boundary while filming video footage in an area allegedly linked to scammer activity. After verbal warnings were ignored, Thai soldiers fired two warning shots in line with security measures. According to Thai authorities, the action aimed to prevent encroachment and avoid violations of the joint statement agreed in December 2025. Later that evening, Cambodian soldiers reportedly fired 11 shots near Hill 278 east of the Chong Chom permanent border crossing before gunfire spread along the eastern side of the road leading towards O’Smach. Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, spokesman for the Royal Thai Army, said Cambodian commanders and government officials often made statements that differed from actions on the ground. He said gunfire and explosion-like sounds had continued since the ceasefire and described them as provocative behaviour. Winthai added that similar incidents had been reported several times this year along more than 400 kilometres of the Thai-Cambodian border. Thai authorities continue to monitor developments closely. Another issue under investigation involves Sun Mingchen, a Chinese national arrested on firearms and explosives-related charges. Police said they had not found evidence of a planned sabotage operation in Thailand, although the investigation remains ongoing. Sun reportedly carried both Chinese and Cambodian passports and had travelled repeatedly in and out of Thailand since 2024, a period viewed as the start of the latest phase of tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. Investigators allegedly found videos linked to weapons training and military-style activity involving Cambodian soldiers near Cambodia’s Special Forces 911 unit. Police also discovered online searches related to sabotage and explosives. Thai authorities are continuing to examine possible links and determine whether other individuals were involved. Thailand’s armed forces are also strengthening military capabilities across all branches. In April, Cambodia’s navy received two Chinese-made Type 056 corvettes designed for patrol, coastal surveillance and maritime security operations. The vessels are equipped for close-range air defence, anti-ship operations and naval gunfire missions. One Type 056 guided-missile corvette is currently docked at Pier 1 of Ream Naval Base, opposite Koh Kut in Trat province. The Royal Thai Navy said the development does not change Thailand’s ability to defend maritime sovereignty, maintaining that Thailand still holds superior naval capability. However, the navy confirmed it is closely monitoring Cambodian movements and external military support. Thailand is also progressing with procurement plans for a new frigate under the fiscal year 2026 budget. Six companies from four countries have submitted proposals, with the process expected to conclude before Royal Thai Navy chief Adm Pairote Fuangchan retires on October 30. Budget constraints have delayed a second frigate project until fiscal year 2028. Meanwhile, the S26T submarine project remains on schedule, with final payment due in fiscal year 2027 and delivery expected by late 2028 or early 2029. The Royal Thai Air Force is also accelerating plans to replace ageing F-16 fighter jets. Air force chief ACM Seksan Kantha is overseeing progress on the Gripen E/F procurement programme in Stockholm, Sweden, where production has begun. The air force now plans to combine the second and third procurement phases into a single fiscal year 2028 project to acquire eight aircraft at once. The goal is to have the new fighters operational by 2032. The Nation reported that Thai military planners believe maintaining strong deterrence will remain critical in any future negotiations with Cambodia. Officials also warn that previous border tensions in 2011 and 2025 were accompanied by domestic turmoil, including political interference, fake news, provocation and sabotage. Pictures courtesy of The Nation Thai-warning-shots-fired-at-brit-at-Cambodia-border Thai-army-says-Cambodian-troops-fired-near-O-Smach Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 16 May 2026 View full articleFri, 15 May 2026 20:40:34 +0000US President Donald Trump has warned Taiwan against formally declaring independence from China, reiterating that Washington’s long-standing policy on the issue remains unchanged. Get today's headlines by email Speaking to Fox News on Friday, shortly after concluding a two-day summit in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump said he was not seeking a situation in which Taiwan moves toward independence. “I’m not looking to have somebody go independent,” Trump said in the interview. His remarks came after earlier comments in which he said he had made “no commitment either way” regarding the self-governing island, which Beijing considers part of its territory and has not ruled out taking by force. US policy and the Taiwan questionThe United States has historically supported Taiwan and is legally required to provide the island with the means to defend itself. At the same time, Washington maintains diplomatic relations with China and adheres to the “One China” policy, which recognises Beijing as the sole Chinese government. Under this framework, the United States does not support Taiwanese independence, a position that has been central to maintaining diplomatic ties with China. Xi Warns Trump Taiwan Dispute Could Lead to ConflictPublic opinion in Taiwan has long favoured maintaining the current situation. While many people on the island consider Taiwan a separate nation, most support preserving the status quo in which Taiwan neither formally declares independence nor unifies with China. In the Fox News interview, Trump said he wanted both sides to avoid escalating tensions. “You know, we’re supposed to travel 9,500 miles to fight a war. I’m not looking for that,” he said. “I want them to cool down. I want China to cool down.” Summit discussions with XiTrump told reporters during his return flight to Washington that Taiwan had been a major topic during his discussions with Xi. He said the Chinese leader had strong views on the issue and opposed any move toward Taiwanese independence. According to Chinese state media, Xi warned during the summit that the Taiwan issue remained the most important matter in relations between the two countries. He cautioned that if the matter were mishandled, it could lead to a confrontation or conflict. Despite the warnings, Trump said he did not expect tensions over Taiwan to escalate into war. “No, I don’t think so. I think we’ll be fine,” he said. “He doesn’t want to see a war.” Weapons sales under considerationThe discussions also included a potential US arms sale to Taiwan. Late last year, the Trump administration announced a proposed package worth about $11 billion that would include advanced rocket launchers and various missile systems. Beijing condemned the plan, which it views as interference in its internal affairs. Trump said he had discussed the proposal with Xi “in great detail” and would soon decide whether to proceed. He added that he intended to speak with Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te before making a final decision. “I may do it. I may not do it,” he said. The United States has previously angered China with actions seen as weakening its stance against Taiwanese independence. In February 2025, the US State Department removed language from its website that explicitly stated Washington did not support Taiwanese independence, prompting criticism from Beijing. US officials in Taiwan later reiterated that Washington opposes any unilateral attempts by either side to change the status quo. Taiwan respondsTaiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said officials had closely monitored the US-China summit and remained in contact with the United States and other partners. He said the goal was to ensure continued development of Taiwan–US relations while protecting the island’s interests. Lin also described Taiwan as a “guardian of peace and stability” in the region, while accusing China of increasing tensions through military activity and political pressure. China has stepped up military drills around Taiwan in recent years, raising concerns about security in the region and testing the delicate balance that Washington has sought to maintain. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 16 May 2026 View full articleFri, 15 May 2026 20:38:23 +0000If she received a pay rise to 67.50 an hour you would post it hourlyFri, 15 May 2026 20:37:23 +0000It would be nice if you could write in EnglishFri, 15 May 2026 20:34:45 +0000When gates are installed there's a service agreement with a qualified company. Ask a gate repair tech the next time you see one working at a public transit location. In Vancouver we used Western Scale. Drug addicts broke through the gates several times per day and the broken gates were repaired within hours and it sure as hell didn't cost 20 grand CAD per pop. I'd wager that the cost in Vancouver is even less than a Nana barfine.Fri, 15 May 2026 20:31:39 +0000Troll posts about covid vaccines removed. @rattlesnake @flaming dragon this is the news section, which require verified facts, not just an opinion from social media. If you want to post your conspiracy theories, stay in the “off the beaten track”.Fri, 15 May 2026 20:31:15 +0000Perth has 7/11s.Fri, 15 May 2026 20:29:56 +0000Oh my. Ill leave you at that. Smh. Woooosh.Fri, 15 May 2026 20:29:51 +0000He is to fare away, and we do not have 7/11 here.Fri, 15 May 2026 20:27:27 +0000Nothing to do with 7/11.Fri, 15 May 2026 20:26:44 +0000Yes like buying a job that pays low.Fri, 15 May 2026 20:25:38 +0000One would need to have a good understanding of that business. Franchises usually do a lot of hand holding until the franchisee is on his feet.Fri, 15 May 2026 20:24:16 +0000No one is jealous.....make sure you buy a grilled cheese sammy from @Celsius store. After all you can afford so many of them from just 1 hour of her hourly wageFri, 15 May 2026 20:24:15 +0000So, don't read it if you are jealousFri, 15 May 2026 20:20:44 +0000Gives us an exact quote then instead of gibberish,Fri, 15 May 2026 20:19:46 +0000Need to make a profit first, they could open a 2nd one next door. What will be your role to get SSO?Fri, 15 May 2026 20:18:11 +0000Israeli soldiers who participated in operations in Gaza have stated that military orders directed them to kill any man encountered, regardless of age or circumstances. One soldier described the directive plainly: "A man, no matter what age, don't play games with it; kill immediately." The same soldier noted that troops were instructed to "use your judgment" when encountering women and children, adding that comparable instructions were issued regarding other targets. The soldier's testimony was shared with Iris Haim, whose son was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, and broadcast during Channel 13's investigative documentary on Thursday. According to the program, soldiers involved in the incident described operating under broad "shoot to kill" orders that applied to nearly all people encountered. In December 2023, three Israeli captives were shot and killed by Israeli troops in Gaza City's Shujaiya neighborhood. Despite being shirtless, unarmed, waving a white flag, and calling out in Hebrew, they were fired upon by soldiers. The incident triggered significant criticism regarding Israel's rules of engagement in Gaza, which have resulted in widespread civilian casualties near residential areas, humanitarian aid distribution points, and designated buffer zones. Source: Rapaport, Nadav. (2026). Israeli soldiers say orders were to kill any man encountered in Gaza. Middle East Eye No link, just watch on TVFri, 15 May 2026 20:18:06 +0000Asking for 10K to get the phone back is extortion, get a grip.Fri, 15 May 2026 20:16:18 +0000Yes you have told the forum many times.Fri, 15 May 2026 20:13:23 +0000That is an Arab name, racist nonsense.Fri, 15 May 2026 20:13:07 +0000Could buy a gym. Hire GG to market it.Fri, 15 May 2026 20:13:00 +0000Got it. The view from Germany.Fri, 15 May 2026 20:11:13 +0000I agree. After looking into it 20 years ago it seemed like buying myself a low paying job. Are the current terms agreeable to you? Better than buying a bar but probably less prospect for profits. Are you free to pay better wages?Fri, 15 May 2026 20:10:14 +0000Agree with the AI part being nonexistent. I started working with mainframes in 1980 and did courses in IBM classrooms / reading manuals.Fri, 15 May 2026 20:05:25 +0000