Bangkok: Thailand has increased its military deployment along a contentious section of its border with Cambodia, citing a corresponding military build-up by Cambodian forces. The move follows a deadly border clash on May 28 and ongoing diplomatic friction, Thailand’s defence minister said on Saturday.
Despite both countries issuing diplomatic statements emphasizing dialogue, tensions have escalated after a Cambodian soldier was killed in the recent skirmish near an undemarcated section of the border.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that during bilateral talks on Thursday, Cambodia rejected proposals aimed at easing the situation. “Rather than de-escalating, there has been a notable reinforcement of troops, which has heightened tensions,” Phumtham said. “In response, the Royal Thai Government has decided to adopt further measures and strengthen our military readiness.”
Details regarding the scale of troop deployments on either side were not disclosed.
Separately, the Thai military released a statement on Saturday accusing Cambodian soldiers and civilians of repeated incursions into Thai territory. It described the actions as provocative and warned they suggest “a clear intent to use force.” The army also announced it would take over all border checkpoints along the Cambodian frontier.
The military build-up persists despite diplomatic efforts led by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, current chair of the ASEAN bloc, and China, both of whom have urged restraint.
Thailand and Cambodia have a long history of border disputes, stemming from a colonial-era map drawn by France in 1907 when Cambodia was under French rule. A flashpoint in the conflict remains the area surrounding the 11th-century Preah Vihear Hindu temple, which has triggered armed confrontations in the past, notably in 2008 and during a violent episode in 2011 that left more than a dozen dead.
Although the current governments have generally maintained friendly relations—bolstered by the close ties between former leaders Thaksin Shinawatra and Hun Sen, and their children, who now serve as prime ministers—nationalist sentiment is growing in Thailand. On Friday, the Thai military announced its preparedness for a “high-level operation” should its sovereignty be challenged.
Meanwhile, Cambodia has proposed taking the dispute over four border segments to the International Court of Justice and called on Thailand to engage with the legal process. However, Phumtham reaffirmed on Saturday that Thailand does not accept the ICJ’s jurisdiction in the matter and insisted that all border disagreements should be addressed through direct negotiations.
