Thai - Cambodia Conflict Thai Troops Ready to Act Amid Border Tensions with Cambodia

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Picture courtesy of Pattarapong Chatpattarasill

 

In a significant development, Thai soldiers have been authorised to respond immediately to any perceived encroachment by Cambodian troops onto Thai territory. This decision comes in the wake of reports alleging that Cambodian forces, associated with the Bodyguard Headquarters unit of Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, have been seen near the border observing Thai patrols.

 

The situation heated up after claims from the 2nd Army Region that Cambodian soldiers illegally entered Thailand's Surin province on August 24 to plant a PMN-2 anti-personnel landmine. Such actions are said to violate both international agreements and a bilateral ceasefire.

 

Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang confirmed these developments while addressing reporters, noting the importance of the upcoming Regional Border Committee meeting between the two nations. Set for tomorrow, August 26, at Chong Sa-ngam crossing in Sisaket's Phu Sing district, these talks aim to address several pressing issues.

 

At the heart of the discussions are proposals from Thailand focused on landmine clearance—a subject of previous negotiations by the 1st Army Region and the Navy Task Force. Other critical topics include collaborative efforts to counter cross-border call centre scams and the formation of border coordination groups.

 

Lt. Gen. Boonsin has stressed the necessity for comprehensive landmine clearance across all border areas, not merely those that are clearly demarcated. However, he expressed doubts about Cambodia's willingness to accept this stipulation.

 

A contentious issue remains the barbed wire fencing along disputed sections of the border. While Cambodia has called for its removal, the Thai army has refused, arguing that the fencing aligns with Thailand's established borders.

 

When quizzed about possible outcomes from the forthcoming General Border Committee and Joint Boundary Commission meetings, Lt. Gen. Boonsin indicated that progress largely hinges on Cambodian leadership's willingness to agree, potentially leading to a focus on disarmament issues.

 

He underscored that any suggestion of BHQ units monitoring Thai patrols is speculative. Nonetheless, the order is clear: Thai troops will open fire if any encroachment is confirmed, including landmine placements, which they claim violate the ceasefire. The Thai side maintains that they have concrete evidence of these infractions, pointing to the continued presence of landmines along the border.

 

The situation has been further complicated by misinformation coming from Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence spokesperson, Lieutenant General Maly Socheata.

 

In response to a question about the influence of Cambodian head of state Hun Sen, Lt. Gen. Boonsin remarked that much depends on Hun Sen’s policies. The Thai army remains on alert, guided by governmental directives.

 

Lt. Gen. Boonsin also commented on the recent phone conversation between suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Hun Sen, describing it as primarily a political issue. He expressed that the outcome of an associated court case, expected on August 29, is unlikely to affect next month’s General Border Committee meeting.

 

In a time of heightened tensions, both nations appear poised at a crossroads where diplomatic discourse and military readiness go hand in hand. As these meetings unfold, the outcomes may well determine the future balance of relations between Thailand and Cambodia.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-26