Thai Navy launches operation to remove Cambodian troops from border

The Royal Thai Navy has initiated a military operation along the Thai–Cambodian border in Trat province after aerial reconnaissance confirmed that Cambodian forces had once again established a base inside Thai territory, reinforced with special forces, snipers, and multiple rocket launchers.

Rear Admiral Parat Rattanachaipan, the Navy spokesman, said on December 9 that the latest aerial imagery from Ban Nong Ri in Chamrak subdistrict, Mueang district, Trat, showed Cambodian troops setting up a new base within Thailand’s sovereign land.

The location corresponds to an area where three permanent structures previously used as a Cambodian military stronghold had been dismantled and Cambodian troops withdrawn. However, according to the spokesman, Cambodian forces had “returned to intrude on Thai sovereignty once again” and reinforced their presence.

Thailand has followed international practice by escalating its response “from light to heavy,” starting with coordination, warnings, and negotiations at all levels to urge Cambodia to withdraw its troops from Thai soil promptly.

“Despite Thailand’s restraint and continued efforts at dialogue, Cambodian forces have not withdrawn from Thai territory,” Rear Admiral Parat said. “On the contrary, they have reinforced their units with special operations teams, snipers, and multiple rocket launchers, and upgraded their positions and tactical facilities in ways that clearly affect Thai sovereignty.”

He added that Cambodian troops had dug defensive trenches, installed heavy weapons, and deployed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for continuous surveillance of Thai positions and military sites—actions the navy regards as intimidation and a direct threat to Thailand’s sovereignty.

“To safeguard the country’s sovereignty and security, as well as the safety of local people, the Royal Thai Navy and relevant security agencies have had no choice but to conduct military operations to drive Cambodian forces out of Thai sovereign territory,” Rear Admiral Parat said.

The operation is being carried out under the international right of self-defence and applicable laws, while strictly adhering to principles of necessity and proportionality to contain the situation and avoid unnecessary escalation.

The navy stressed that every step of the operation is closely supervised by the military command centre and guided by Thailand’s national interests. It reiterated that Thailand “will not accept any violation of its sovereignty or any act that undermines the country’s security in any form.”

By Tamilla Hasanova