Thai - Cambodia Conflict Acting PM Visits Trat, Orders Provincial Governors to Guard Areas Amid Border Tensions

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of amarin.

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai visited Trat province today to assess the security situation along the Thai-Cambodian border, following recent cross-border hostilities. During his visit, he ordered governors of seven frontier provinces to reinforce the defence of areas and ensure civilian protection.

 

Chairing a high-level meeting at the Trat Provincial Hall at 11:00, on 27 July, Mr Phumtham was joined by senior Interior Ministry officials including Permanent Secretary Arsit Sumpandarat, Ministerial Secretary Chanin Rungtanakiat, Trat Governor Natthaphong Sanguanjit and representatives from local military and security units.

 

Mr Phumtham was briefed by the Royal Thai Navy’s Special Task Force and the Trat Provincial Administration Office. He was informed that Cambodian forces had pulled back into their own territory and the immediate threat had been contained. However, both sides remain on high alert. So far, 4,754 people have been evacuated to 16 shelters across three districts, with contingency plans in place to accommodate up to 20,000 evacuees if necessary.

 

Trat is one of six Thai provinces recently targeted by Cambodian artillery, prompting the Thai military to impose martial law in the affected zones. Mr Phumtham said his visit was intended to verify the readiness of local authorities to handle further escalation.

 

“I’ve made it clear to all governors along the Cambodian border your job is to protect the rear areas, behind the front lines and keep civilians safe,” he stressed. “Cambodia has violated multiple international agreements. We must stand firm.”

 

He reiterated that Thailand remains open to ceasefire negotiations, provided Cambodia demonstrates genuine goodwill.

 

“We are prepared to cease fire, but the safety of Thai citizens must come first,” he said. “Cambodia must show sincerity in withdrawing troops. Despite previous talks, they’ve continued using heavy weaponry against our territory, damaging homes, hospitals and petrol stations.”

 

Responding to a question about conversations with the US President, Mr Phumtham confirmed that Washington supports a ceasefire. “The frontline is the military’s domain, but civil authorities must manage the rear with full commitment,” he added.

 

He noted that the government had already approved emergency contingency funding of 100 million baht per affected province to support crisis management, supply logistics, and civilian welfare. He also confirmed coordination with the Royal Thai Police to secure evacuated homes.

 

In a final remark, Mr Phumtham urged the media to exercise caution when reporting on the location of civilian shelters, warning that such disclosures could compromise ongoing military operations.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-28