Thai Air Force Rejects Cambodia F-16 Airspace Claim

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has rejected allegations that one of its F-16 fighter jets violated Cambodian airspace, insisting that all recent flight operations were conducted strictly within Thailand’s territory. The response came on 25 June 2026 amid reports claiming a Thai military aircraft had crossed into Cambodian territory, raising concerns over tensions between the neighbouring countries.

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Speaking at the Ministry of Defence, Air Chief Marshal Praphas Sonjaidee, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force and Director of the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Information Center (JIC), said the claims were entirely unfounded. He stated that the RTAF had been carrying out routine training flights to maintain combat readiness and that every mission followed approved flight plans and international aviation standards.

According to Air Chief Marshal Praphas, all flight operations were conducted within Thai airspace and under strict monitoring procedures. He said the Air Operations Centre maintains round-the-clock control, tracking and management of all military aircraft, supported by surveillance and automated warning systems operating 24 hours a day.

The warning system alerts pilots whenever an aircraft approaches within 10 nautical miles of an international border, allowing immediate course adjustments and helping prevent any unintended violation of a neighbouring country’s sovereignty. Based on these monitoring systems, the RTAF said it could confirm that no border breach occurred during the training flights in question.

The statement follows the circulation of information alleging that a Thai F-16 had entered Cambodian airspace. Thai officials argued that such claims lacked verifiable evidence and risked creating unnecessary misunderstandings between the two countries.

Air Chief Marshal Praphas stressed that Thailand remains committed to respecting the sovereignty of neighbouring states and continues to adhere to international law, existing confidence-building measures and bilateral agreements designed to reduce tensions. He warned that allegations made without supporting evidence could contribute to an unnecessarily strained atmosphere and undermine cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia.

The Joint Information Center called on all parties to rely on verifiable facts and avoid communications or accusations that could be viewed as provocative. It also reaffirmed support for the use of existing bilateral mechanisms to discuss and resolve issues in a constructive manner based on mutual respect.

Naewna reported that Thai authorities indicated that dialogue and established diplomatic channels remain the preferred means of addressing any concerns that may arise. The government said maintaining peace, stability and positive relations between the people of both countries remains a shared objective.

Picture courtesy of Naewna

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 26 June 2026

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