Border dispute alarming King, daily updates provided
Thai Army Steps up in Response to Border Tensions
The ongoing Thai-Cambodian border tensions have seen the Royal Thai Armed Forces take a proactive role in defending the nation's sovereignty. Lt Gen Boonsin, the commander of Army Region 2, addressed the issue at Kasetsart University Laboratory School Center for Educational Research and Development in Bangkok, reiterating the military's commitment to safeguarding Thailand's borders.
The border clashes, which escalated in July 2025, have resulted in intense military confrontations near the Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom temples. These clashes involved artillery, rockets, and air strikes, including Thai F-16 bombings on Cambodian positions. The situation led to martial law being enforced in Thai border districts, civilian casualties, and massive displacement. A ceasefire was agreed upon on July 28 during talks in Kuala Lumpur under ASEAN and UN diplomatic pressure, though mutual distrust and nationalist politics persist.
Lt Gen Boonsin emphasized the army's readiness to defend the nation amid the border crisis. He stated that if the Thai people stand firm, soldiers and future generations will also stand firm. In the event of an invasion, the army would present maps to prove its territorial claims before defending and pushing back. However, it is not clear if the current border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia involve an imminent invasion.
His Majesty the King, who has historically served as a supreme commander, has shown constant concern over national security and territorial integrity. The King receives daily updates on the border situation through his royal office. Lt Gen Boonsin also expressed a wish for Thailand to be peaceful, prosperous, and free from hardship, with citizens living in harmony.
The escalation of measures, according to Lt Gen Boonsin, would progress from light to strong. It remains unclear what actions the Thai army is considering or has already taken in response to the border tensions, beyond defending sovereignty. It is also not clear what role the public's encouragement plays in the military's response to the border tensions.
The Thai army's actions reflect a longstanding priority for the monarchy and armed forces to safeguard the sovereignty of Thailand, particularly in historically sensitive border regions. The overall situation remains fragile, with the ceasefire holding temporarily but with risks of renewed clashes unless lasting diplomatic solutions and border agreements are achieved.
The escalating border conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia have pushed politics towards a tense stand-off, with war-and-conflicts dominating general news headlines. Lt Gen Boonsin, commander of Army Region 2, has vowed to protect Thailand's borders and sovereignty, emphasizing the army's readiness to defend the nation amid the border crisis.
