Defending National Interests
Upholding International Law
On August 1, 2025, the Royal Thai Army briefed diplomats, military attachés, and media, detailing Cambodia’s alleged violations in the ongoing border conflict. Emphasizing Thailand’s commitment to sovereignty and international law, the army outlined its defensive actions under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which permits self-defense against armed attacks. The Royal Thai Army stressed its pursuit of peaceful bilateral dialogue, countering Cambodian accusations of aggression with evidence of measured, proportional responses to protect Thai territory.
Cambodian Actions Escalate Tensions
Series of Provocative Incidents
The Royal Thai Army documented multiple Cambodian provocations since February 2025, including Cambodian forces encouraging nationalist activities at Ta Muen Thom Temple, burning the Tri Muk Pavilion, and altering border landscapes to strengthen military positions. By May, Cambodia deployed additional troops and planted PMN-2 landmines, injuring two Thai soldiers and violating the Ottawa Convention. These actions, including attacks on civilian areas like Phanom Dong Rak Hospital and a PTT petrol station, resulted in 36 civilian injuries and 15 casualties, prompting the evacuation of over 150,000 residents.
Ceasefire Breaches Continue
Cambodia’s Ongoing Violations
Despite a ceasefire agreement brokered in Malaysia on July 28, Cambodia continued attacks in areas like Chong Bok, Sam Tae, and Ta Kwai Temple until July 30, using artillery and BM-21 rocket launchers against civilian targets. The Royal Thai Army reported increased Cambodian troop presence and drone surveillance in Thai territory, further breaching the truce. Thailand condemned Cambodia’s use of civilian areas as human shields, a violation of international humanitarian law, and called for honest dialogue to de-escalate the conflict.
Countering Disinformation Campaigns
Debunking False Claims
The Royal Thai Army refuted Cambodia’s allegations, including claims of Thailand using chemical weapons and MK-84 bombs, identifying such reports as recycled images from unrelated events, like a 2022 California wildfire operation. The army criticized Cambodia’s misleading invitation to foreign attachés to inspect a combat zone, which was redirected to a riskier area. By inviting international observers to Si Sa Ket, Thailand aims to showcase transparency, urging global support for bilateral negotiations to resolve the century-old border dispute peacefully.
