Thailand ready for decisive action on Cambodia border conflict!

Thailand ready for decisive action on Cambodia border conflict!

Amid growing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, the situation at the border has worsened again. According to a recent statement from Lt Gen Adul Boonthamcharoen, Deputy Minister of Defense, the Thai Armed Forces have increased their operational readiness and are well positioned to respond to a possible escalation. Adul visited Surasinghanat Camp in Aranyaprathet district on Friday to inspect the readiness of troops and equipment. He assured that the Thai Armed Forces are prepared for anything and are just waiting for the right time to act, while Thailand's sovereignty is the top priority. “We are ready,” Adul said, emphasizing that the upcoming operation will meet international standards, including cooperation with police, administrative officials and volunteers.

A particularly explosive issue is the movement of civilians from Cambodia to areas directly opposite Ban Nong Chan and Nong Ya Kaew. Amid "worrying" indications of increased military preparedness by Cambodia, Thailand is determined to launch a "high-level operation" to protect its national interests. The Thai military has reportedly already taken measures to check the operational readiness of its equipment. Colonel Chainarong Kasee, commander of the 12th Infantry Regiment, has directed his troops to make possible preparations.

past and tensions

The conflicts along the Thai-Cambodian border are not new. There were several deadly clashes between 2008 and 2011, revealing the full extent of the tensions. Around 40 people, including five civilians, lost their lives. In May this year, a Cambodian soldier was killed during a shootout in a disputed area. Cambodia then accused Thai soldiers of firing on their military post first. However, Thailand's Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai denied blame and instead blamed Cambodia for the attacks.

In addition, an internal meeting of the Thai military leadership is expected on Friday afternoon to further assess the situation. Tensions could rise further as Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet plans to appeal to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over four border disputes. Thailand has not recognized the ICJ's jurisdiction since 1960 and is instead calling for bilateral talks to resolve the multiple issues through international legal bases.

Heavy battles

The situation became particularly drastic on July 25, when heavy fighting broke out between the Thai and Cambodian armed forces. At least 15 people were killed, including 14 civilians and a Thai soldier. According to reports, the Thai military deployed fighter jets while Cambodia mobilized heavy weapons such as artillery and rocket launchers.
A large part of the civilian population from the neighboring provinces of Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin and Buriram had to be evacuated and found refuge in emergency shelters.

In this context, Thailand has closed all border checkpoints with Cambodia and warns against traveling to the border area. This development makes it clear that this is a long-lasting conflict that has far-reaching effects on the population. Historically, there have been scandalous incidents including shootings and injuries from landmines that continue to destabilize the region.

The international community is watching developments closely. Cambodia's prime minister is under pressure to defuse the situation and has called for a UN Security Council meeting. Given the geopolitical context, it is to be hoped that a peaceful solution can be found before the situation deteriorates further. Nation Thailand reports about the military developments during AlJazeera informed about the specific incidents and the history of the conflict daily news provides a comprehensive overview.