Thailand Boosts Defences Amid Cambodia Tensions

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.

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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

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 16 May 2026