Thai - Cambodia Conflict Thaksin's Drone Donation Sparks Thai Army Security Concerns

[webfact]

DJI Phantom 3 drone | Picture  courtesy of MGR Online

 

Controversy has erupted over the donation of 10 Chinese-made drones to the Thai army by Thaksin Shinawatra. These DJI drones, typically used for commercial purposes, might be tracked by Cambodian forces, putting Thai drone operators at risk during border reconnaissance missions.

 

Thaksin Shinawatra purchased these drones for three million baht, raising concerns about their potential vulnerability. Concerns have mounted over their use along the contentious Thai-Cambodian border, where Cambodian forces may exploit Chinese-made drone locators to detect and endanger Thai units.

 

The discovery comes amid heightened border tensions, with drones reportedly flying over Thai territory, prompting calls for immediate counteractions.

 

Thailand is currently restricting drone flights in its airspace, particularly around northeastern provinces like Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Surin, and Buriram, areas previously affected by Thai-Cambodian clashes.

 

Reports suggest Cambodian forces possess drones capable of carrying bombs, posing additional threats to Thailand.

 

Thaksin's longstanding ties with Cambodian leader Hun Sen and the relationship with his son, Hun Manet, now leading Cambodia, have sparked further suspicion, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

The Thai public views these personal connections and bilateral interests with unease, particularly given the unresolved border disputes.

 

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin's daughter and suspended from her prime-ministerial duties, faces an impeachment trial. Her involvement in a leaked conversation with Hun Sen has led to calls for scrutiny, as her actions were considered compromising and breaching ethics.

 

Additionally, Thaksin's push for joint resource projects in disputed maritime areas with Cambodia adds another layer to the ongoing tensions.

 

As the situation develops, the implications of these drone donations on Thai security remain a focal point of discussion. The intricate ties between Thailand and Cambodia, further complicated by family and political connections, continue to fuel debates on national security and diplomatic relations.

 

RELATED TOPIC:

Thaksin Donates Drones to Bolster Border Patrols

https://aseannow.com/topic/1369383-thaksin-donates-drones-to-bolster-border-patrols/

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-08-13

 

 

[ikke1959]

Thaksin will do things to escalate the problems instead of de escalate them.. This so called offer of 10 drones looks nice, but it is just a way to create problems... He is the devil disguise and frustrated by the claims of his hospitalization, and section 112 allegations...And his personal quarrel with the Cambodian PM

[Geoffggi]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Controversy has erupted over the donation of 10 Chinese-made drones to the Thai army by Thaksin Shinawatra.

 

Quite rightly so, the Chinese are renown for implants within their electronic systems and everyone knows how much Thaksin can be trusted - Not a lot

[Pouatchee]

If cambodians are using chinese drones... if... then why doesnt thailand use the same tech on them?

[Raindancer]

3 million baht for 10 of these dji drones.   Really??