Thailand has announced that it has begun deploying troops and strengthening security measures near its disputed border with Cambodia. Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said Thailand started deploying troops in response to Cambodia also massing a large number of troops near the border. Both countries are deploying troops at a time when tensions are high due to disagreements over territorial claims along the border. On May 28, there were clashes between border guards of the two countries, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier. Since then, both countries have been exchanging verbal attacks.
Prawit said negotiations are ongoing to resolve the tensions between the two countries. However, he said Cambodia’s government had eliminated opportunities to find a solution during talks held on June 5. “Additionally, [Cambodia] continues to deploy a large number of troops near the border, increasing tensions in the area. As a result, the Thai government has decided to strengthen security measures and send additional troops to the border,” he said. Thailand’s military has also accused Cambodian soldiers and civilians of crossing the border into Thai territory. “Such hostile acts and troop deployments [near the border] are a sign of preparing to use force,” a Thai military statement said.
The Thai military also revealed that it has decided to bring checkpoints near the border under military control. However, reports say immigration and customs checkpoints at border crossings between the two countries have not been closed. There are 17 border crossings established for travel between Thailand and Cambodia. It is noted that many checkpoints remain open for public travel between the two countries.
As tensions rise along the border, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said they are working to prevent the situation from escalating further. “Our policy is not to attack first, but to take defensive measures. Our top policy is to respect the international legal framework. The main purpose is to defend and protect our sovereign independence,” he said. He also said Cambodia’s military remains in a state of readiness to defend the country.
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said it will prioritize resolving tensions between the two countries through negotiations. Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said they hope to find a solution through talks scheduled for June 14 to address disagreements over territorial claims. Malaysia and China are working to help resolve the tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.
