Army leader unfazed by disruptions during Cambodian diplomatic visit, expressing confidence in impartiality of observers
Thai Commander Dismisses Cambodian Troop Interference as Symbolic Gesture
In a recent incident, a Cambodian soldier attempted to obstruct the Interim Observer Team (IOT) mission in the Chong An Ma area, Ubon Ratchathani province. However, Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, the Commander of the 2nd Army Area, described this disruption as a non-impactful, symbolic gesture that would not affect the mission or the factual presentation of sovereignty issues to the international community.
Boonsin reaffirmed that the area lies fully within Thai sovereignty and emphasized his confidence in the neutrality and credibility of the IOT. He believes that all information gathered from the IOT mission will be presented to the international community with weight and credibility.
The Chong An Ma area has been a point of contention between the two countries, with Thailand having the right to escort delegations to the area. However, Cambodia did not seek Thailand’s permission for previous delegation visits for observation. This contrast is significant, as Cambodia attempted to block the Thai-led mission.
Lt Gen Boonsin dismissed the interruption as a symbolic gesture by Cambodia and expressed confidence that neutral observers, such as the IOT, will present facts about the incident to the world. He also mentioned that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs led a delegation of diplomats to survey Cambodian attacks on civilian areas, such as the PTT petrol station in Ban Phue, Si Sa Ket.
The incident took place amid a broader border conflict context in 2025, where Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence condemned Thai military remarks and actions as violations of ceasefire agreements and an attempt to instigate invasion. Cambodia called on the international community to enforce the ceasefire and urged dispute resolution through legal and technical channels. Both sides maintain firm nationalistic and military responses, with Thailand’s government condemning Cambodian attacks and vowing retaliation.
Boonsin also shared additional details about the wider conflict, including claims of significant Cambodian casualties, accusations of Cambodian use of drones targeting civilian infrastructure, and assurances that Thai forces and other military branches are fully prepared to defend sovereignty, with ongoing cooperation across armed forces and police. He also denied rumors about fence removal at Chong An Ma and speculated that an explosion near Ta Kwai Temple was due to Cambodian forces' own accidental landmine detonation.
In conclusion, Boonsin framed the Cambodian troop interference as symbolic and inconsequential to Thailand’s legal stance and military preparedness, while Cambodia officially condemned Thailand’s military posture and statements as breach of ceasefire and provocation. Despite the heightened tensions, both sides continue to assert their nationalistic and military responses, with the IOT mission serving as a crucial step towards presenting facts to the international community.
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