Navy Chief to Keep Cambodia Border Crossings Closed in Chanthaburi & Trat

Thailand’s Navy chief Admiral Pairot Fuangchan said on April 16 2026, that border crossings with Cambodia in Chanthaburi and Trat will remain closed, confirming the Royal Thai Navy will not change position amid reports of informal attempts to reopen a checkpoint. The decision follows confirmation from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul that the crossings will stay shut.

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The Navy said it had received no formal request from Cambodia to reopen the crossings, despite reports that Hun Sen, president of the Cambodian Senate, had sent a close aide to negotiate reopening a checkpoint in Trat. Hun Sen has served as Senate president since 2024. Admiral Pairot said the Navy was acting strictly under government orders and would not reopen any checkpoint under any circumstances.

He stated: “I have issued firm instructions because we have never, and will never, yield or bend to the other side, regardless of any interests involved. I will absolutely not allow such a situation to happen in the Navy.” When asked about temporary special crossings, he added: “We are clearly following government policy. Closed means closed.”

The Royal Thai Navy also dismissed claims that informal negotiations had taken place or been reported up the chain of command, saying Admiral Pairot had not received any such reports and believed the claims were speculative.

Earlier Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyanphan, spokesman for the Royal Thai Navy, said Admiral Pairot visited the Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defence Command, the Navy’s frontline unit responsible for safeguarding sovereignty along the eastern border. The Navy chief described the command as a frontline shield for national sovereignty, security and interests on land and at sea.

During the inspection, he praised recent operations including efforts to repel intruders and reclaim sovereign territory, crediting intelligence, logistics, communications, modern technology and joint military coordination. He ordered units to strengthen readiness across personnel, equipment and tactics, citing continued reinforcement by the opposing side on land and at sea. He also instructed tighter internal security, including protection of official information, prevention of leaks and stricter safeguards for bases, troop movements and equipment.

The Nation reported that the Navy said it would maintain a strong deployment posture and would not allow illegal activity across border areas on land or at sea, while also seeking to reassure the public over sovereignty protection.

Picture courtesy of The Nation

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 17 Apr 2026