Thailand ramps up Military presence amid Cambodia border dispute

Thailand’s military on Friday, June 6, 2025, signaled readiness to initiate a “high-level operation” in response to what it perceives as increasing violations of its sovereignty along the shared border with Cambodia.

Al-jazeera reports that this represents the strongest statement yet from the Thai military regarding the recent resurgence of the long-standing border dispute between the two nations.

In a statement released on Thursday night, Thailand’s military revealed that intelligence reports had raised serious concerns.

This indicates that Cambodia had heightened its military preparedness along the disputed border region.

The statement went on to say, “The army is now prepared for a high-level military operation should it be necessary to defend against violations of sovereignty.”

While emphasizing that operations along the border have been carried out with care and caution to minimize losses, the military reiterated that it was fully prepared to act if the situation required more robust measures.

“Operations by units stationed at the border have been conducted carefully and calmly, always considering the situation to avoid any loss of life on both sides,” the statement continued.

“At the same time, we are ready to defend the country’s sovereignty to the fullest extent if needed.”

In light of the rising tensions, Thailand’s top military leaders are set to convene for a closed-door meeting on Friday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the army, navy, and air force have reportedly raised their combat readiness, as confirmed by Thailand’s Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS).

Colonel Chainarong Kasee, stated that his troops have been ordered to ensure all military equipment is in top working condition in preparation for any potential escalation.

Kasee commands Thailand’s 12th Infantry Regiment of the Royal Guards.

The latest tensions between the two countries flared on May 28 when a brief firefight occurred in a disputed region along the border, near Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province and Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province.

Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence claimed that Thai troops fired first, resulting in the death of one Cambodian soldier.

In contrast, Thailand’s Minister of Defence Phumtham Wechayachai asserted that Cambodian forces had opened fire on Thai positions first.

The border region surrounding the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been a hotspot for numerous clashes over the years.

The temple has been at the center of a dispute that has fueled nationalist sentiment on both sides.

Tensions have escalated in the past, particularly between 2008 and 2011, when several deadly confrontations occurred.

These skirmishes led to about 40 deaths, including five civilians.

The situation was partly addressed by a 2013 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling.

It reaffirmed a previous 1962 decision awarding part of the land surrounding Preah Vihear to Cambodia.

The court also directed Thailand to withdraw its military personnel from the area, but the conflict has not been fully resolved.

Since then, Cambodia has called for further adjudication.

Prime Minister Hun Manet, son of long-time leader Hun Sen, on his part, announced plans to file disputes over four additional sections of the border with the ICJ.

Cambodia has requested Thailand’s cooperation in this process.

However, Thailand has not recognized the ICJ’s jurisdiction since 1960, preferring to handle border issues through bilateral negotiations.

In response to Cambodia’s appeal to the ICJ, Thailand has reiterated its position that the two countries already have established mechanisms to address such disputes.

“Thailand and Cambodia have existing bilateral mechanisms to resolve these issues,” the Thai government said in a statement.

The government also underscored its commitment to resolving the situation peacefully.

It plans to do this, in line with international law, treaties, and agreements, backed by satellite imagery and verified evidence.

A joint meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission, which focuses on border demarcation and related matters, is scheduled for June 14.

This meeting will serve as an important step in attempting to address the ongoing border disputes between the two nations.

Although it remains to be seen whether it will lead to a resolution or further heighten tensions.

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