Bangkok: Tensions are mounting on the Thai-Cambodian border as "Big Ko," a high-ranking military official, has ordered heightened vigilance, emphasizing the potential for a third clash and asserting Thailand's intention to strike first if Cambodia poses a genuine threat.
According to Thai News Agency, Air Chief Marshal Praphas Sonjaidee, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force and Director of the Thai-Cambodian Border Situation Information Center, has reported that the current situation along the border remains controlled. Thai border forces are actively maintaining sovereignty through Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) to avoid any unnecessary confrontations.
Despite the controlled atmosphere, Air Chief Marshal Praphas has acknowledged the potential risk of renewed clashes. He stressed the importance of public and agency collaboration in monitoring "signs of war." These signs are divided into two significant dimensions: signals pertaining to Cambodia's internal political climate, such as the use of nationalism in media or aggressive leader statements for popularity, and signals related to military tactics.
The Air Chief Marshal highlighted that logistical reinforcements, like the movement of heavy weapons or large troop deployments, establishment of supply and ammunition depots, field hospitals, and fuel stockpiles near the border, are key indicators of military operation preparations by the opposing side.
He reiterated Thailand's military stance, stating that if there is definitive evidence of an impending attack with weapons, Thailand reserves the legitimate right to use preemptive force in self-defense. This action, however, must comply with international conditions, which require the threat to be imminent, the necessity to be unavoidable, and the force used to be appropriate for the military target.
The military has urged the public to rely on credible news sources to avoid panic fueled by rumors. It confirms that border cooperation mechanisms, such as RBC, GBC, and JBC, remain operational alongside military preparedness to secure peace, order, and national sovereignty.