The Thai army on February 22 rejected claims by a US media outlet that Thailand violated international law and used excessive force during the border conflict with Cambodia. The response followed a report published by The New York Editorial and shared on Facebook on Friday, February 20. Army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvari said the report lacked clear sources and presented distorted information inconsistent with facts on the ground.
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He said the report appeared to rely solely on Cambodian sources, which he alleged had consistently provided false information to the international community. The army reaffirmed that Thailand strictly adheres to international law. Military operations, he said, were conducted under rules of engagement and constituted legitimate self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
Addressing allegations that Thailand escalated the conflict despite Cambodia initiating it, the army said actions were based on the severity of the situation and were unrelated to claims that the dispute was used to influence the February 8 general election. On accusations of excessive force, including the deployment of F-16 fighter jets after a single soldier was injured by a landmine, the army stated operations were coordinated across all branches to protect sovereignty and civilians.
It said air support was requested in response to heavy weapon attacks by Cambodia on Thai troops and civilian areas, and because civilian buildings were allegedly used as military bases. The army maintained it targeted only military objectives and acted proportionally to limit damage within the combat zone.
Regarding claims that Thailand used illegal weapons such as cluster munitions, the army said 155mm dual-purpose improved conventional munition (DPICM) shells were used against military targets and leave no long-term residue. It noted Thailand is not a signatory to the Convention on the Prohibition of Cluster Ammunition. The army said the death of 10-year-old Son Sovanh near the Preah Vihear temple area resulted from dismantling an old explosive device outside the conflict zone and was unrelated to Thai operations.
The army also denied conducting psychological warfare involving loud sounds and funeral music at 3am, stating this was carried out by Thai civilians and was not a military operation. It rejected claims the conflict was used to win votes and disputed reports that nearly 98,000 Cambodians remain displaced by the Thai army preventing them accessing their homes, saying only three villages in Sa Kaeo province were affected, involving no more than 1,000 households.
The army said Cambodia had long been aware the three villages were within Thai territory and accused Cambodian civilians and soldiers of expanding communities into Thai land. It stated Thailand had repeatedly sought resolution through working groups.
The Thainewsroom reported that the Thai army said Cambodia initiated the situation and used long-range weapons against Thai civilians. It maintained Thailand’s response complied with international standards and avoided adverse effects on citizens of both countries.
Pictures courtesy of TNR
Key Takeaways
• The Thai army denies violating international law and says actions were lawful self-defence under Article 51.
• It rejects claims of excessive force, illegal weapons use, psychological warfare, and election interference.
• The army disputes reports of 98,000 displaced Cambodians, stating only several thousand were affected in three villages.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thainewsroom 23 Feb 2026
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