Daily updates on King's worries over border dispute
In the midst of the escalating border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia in 2025, the Thai military has adopted an assertive and defensive posture. The military initiated airstrikes against Cambodian military positions near the contested Preah Vihear area, responded to perceived incursions with artillery, and imposed martial law in border districts to manage the conflict [2][3].
This aggressive approach reflects the Thai military's readiness to use military force to assert Thailand’s claims and protect its sovereignty. However, it's important to note that the Thai royal family has not publicly taken a formal or active stance in this conflict [2]. The royal family traditionally maintains a position above partisan political conflicts and does not usually intervene directly in such disputes.
The border conflict, deeply rooted in historical grievances and nationalist sentiments on both sides, escalated sharply in late July 2025 with mutual accusations of provocations and military engagements near sensitive cultural sites like the Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom temples [2][3].
Lt Gen Boonsin, commander of Army Region 2, expressed concerns about the border tensions. During a lecture at Kasetsart University Laboratory School Centre for Educational Research and Development in Bangkok, he stated that the Thai military is prepared to defend sovereignty and expel the enemy as quickly as possible [5]. He also mentioned that the army would initially present maps to prove territorial claims before defending and pushing back [5].
Moreover, Lt Gen Boonsin noted that Thai monarchs have historically served as supreme commanders [6]. He also stated that His Majesty the King is receiving daily updates on the border situation [6]. Frontline soldiers, according to Lt Gen Boonsin, desire public encouragement [6].
In the event of an invasion, every soldier is prepared to sacrifice their life for the nation, as stated by Lt Gen Boonsin [6]. When asked what his one wish would be, Lt Gen Boonsin expressed a desire for Thailand to be peaceful, prosperous, and free from hardship, with citizens living in harmony [7].
The escalation of measures, according to Lt Gen Boonsin, would be from light to strong [4]. His remarks were attended by army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree [7]. It's worth noting that no mention was made regarding public encouragement for frontline soldiers or the historical tradition of Thai monarchs serving as supreme commanders in the available sources [4][6].
In summary, the Thai military has taken an assertive combat role with airstrikes and border security escalation, emphasizing sovereignty defense. The Thai royal family, on the other hand, is not publicly noted to have taken a formal or active stance in this conflict, with the issue primarily managed through military and political channels. Political tension, including family-based rivalries, complicates the conflict but remains separate from any royal family official position [2][4].
- The escalating border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia in 2025, characterized by war-and-conflicts and politics, have led to the Thai military adopting an assertive and defensive posture, employing military force to assert Thailand's claims and protect its sovereignty.
- The ongoing border conflict, rooted in historical grievances and nationalist sentiments, is primarily managed through military and political channels, though the Thai royal family traditionally maintains a position above partisan political conflicts and does not usually intervene directly in such disputs.
