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.

Get today's headlines by email

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.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Thainewsroom 23 Feb 2026

View full record

Of course Thailand's army will never do wrong, and all problems are caused by others... But Thailand does not recognize the border as they don't recognize the international court of Justice.... And many people believe that the whole conflict is indeed used for the elections and the Thaksin family...

Anyone wanting to read the article by The New York Editorial can find it here:

https://thenyeditorial.github.io/Thailand-Cambodia-Conflict-Report-Feb-2026/

Of course Thailand never breaks international law, never does anything wrong, and cannot handle the truth.

After keeping pretty quiet while watching the utter devastation that Israel has done in Gaza, I suggest that the USA media keeps its mouth shut.

By any measure of comparison, deaths, buildings destroyed etc, what Thailand has done is a pin prick compared to Gaza.

In any case, isn’t the new world order all about power? Whoever has it, uses it against those who are weaker? That’s what appears to be claimed and demonstrated by Messers Putin and Trump anyway.

What a world we live in. I’m glad I’m in my twilight years and won’t have to see too much more of the chaos unfolding in front of my eyes.

Owners of New York Editorial

Owned by: IJ Ventures Inc.
Co-Founders: Muhammad Rakibul Islam, Muhammad Kamrul Islam Sony, Salma Jahan

Editor-in-Chief: Muhammad Kamrul Islam Sony

It's the legacy media. They lie. They lie all the time. They make William Randolph Hearst look like an amateur.

The US Government isn't saying this. The general US population isn't saying this. It's an organization that evidently has an axe to grind with Thailand.

America does what it likes around the world, why doesn’t the US media clean them up before picking on Thailand. It blows up boats with civilians in it, it’s going to bomb Iran again, it invaded Venezuela and kidnapped its leader to steal the oil! It’s run by a corrupt madman who ignores his own laws!

I just read the New York Editorial. It mentions the UN charter many times despite the geriatric toddler running America criticizing it at every turn and setting up his own Bored of Peace with him as Dear Leader for life to challenge the UN. The hypocrisy of Americans is mind blowing!

He can reject it, if he wants, that doesn't make the report wrong, what does is show Thailand that the international community does not believe it...The truth is coming out, and Thailand can't stop it.... there's a raise Thailand won't go to the ICJ, or the UN, or to the Board of "Peace," or any other organisation....If Thailand had a strong case, then it would put it up for scrutiny...and judgement.

What should Thailand do in this situation? Sit back and let Cambodia lead the narrative?

Frankly, as a non Christian nation, when thy neighbor strikes you across the cheek, use f16s to strike their cheek and every other part of the body is the answer. This is not the time for weakness.

This article appeared in a liberal, left-leaning BS news outlet that NO ONE in the US has ever heard of. The article embraces AGENDA-driven journalism, the business model for New York Editorial.

The NY Editorial does not reflect the current US policy.

Totally biased and lies about Thailand.

Unfortunately in the last year of the US has lost all of its moral authority, and has lost the right to lecture other governments on the misuse of authority, with its own excessive force, and the birth of a domestic terrorist agency going under the name of ICE.

59 minutes ago, nutosf said:

Owners of New York Editorial

Owned by: IJ Ventures Inc.
Co-Founders: Muhammad Rakibul Islam, Muhammad Kamrul Islam Sony, Salma Jahan

Editor-in-Chief: Muhammad Kamrul Islam Sony

So not Bhuddist. Possibly neutral in this case?

1 hour ago, Purdey said:

What should Thailand do in this situation? Sit back and let Cambodia lead the narrative?

Frankly, as a non Christian nation, when thy neighbor strikes you across the cheek, use f16s to strike their cheek and every other part of the body is the answer. This is not the time for weakness.

Obviously you have already decided Cambodia is at fault, then explain this, Cambodia already had the internationally recognised border....why would Cambodia, with a much smaller, under equipped military, attack Thailand, a much bigger far better equipped military....so far who has gained, out of this conflict....look at the recent elections, look at a military gaining in power.

Be honest in any reply

When will the AN resident legal experts arrive to demand international court intervention and arrest warrants?

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

stating only several thousand were affected in three villages.

Whether just one or several thosand, The Thai military is now admiting to the displacement of Khmer villagers!!

4 hours ago, Aussie999 said:

Obviously you have already decided Cambodia is at fault, then explain this, Cambodia already had the internationally recognised border....why would Cambodia, with a much smaller, under equipped military, attack Thailand, a much bigger far better equipped military....so far who has gained, out of this conflict....look at the recent elections, look at a military gaining in power.

Be honest in any reply

I think there is a bigger picture.

The current world order as projected by the most powerful nations in the world is that might makes right. That works its way down the food chain until eventually you come to Thailand doing whatever it wants to Cambodia.

Like it or not, the leaders of the most powerful nations have ripped up the rule book. And when that happens, nobody needs to abide by any rules.

Shame for the less powerful nations, but it’s now a scary world out there where right and wrong don’t matter a whole heck of a lot.

I wish it weren’t so, but it is.

USA is more than ever an Imperialistic fascist country ,that should have no say on this matter, this should be done by other peaceful countries. USA should be sentenced over their previous war crimes and can not be thrusted in any way. USA are hypocrite's and war mongers. The rest of the free world should ignore and boycott them. No pain, no gain. We don't need American products.