Thai Army Chief unfazed by Hun Manet’s allegations against Thailand

Today, (February 19, 2026), at the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), General Chaiyapruk Duangprapat, Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Army and Secretary of ISOC, addressed the situation on the Thai-Cambodian border, stating that it was stable but that all areas required continued vigilance. He stated that available resources, including equipment and staff, were being employed to maintain security, and that readiness remained high, indicating that no major problems were expected.

Regarding Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet's accusations in an interview with foreign media that Thailand was encroaching on Cambodian territory, and whether this was a provocation, General Chaiyapruk stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would respond in accordance with due process, so there was no need to be concerned. We must fight diplomatically just like he does. However, we are fully supporting the military. When asked by reporters if such actions would contravene the joint declaration, General Chaiyapruk stated that he was trying. The apartments in the vicinity are new, and they may be unaware of the problem.Later, several military forces invaded the area unprepared. They may lack discipline, but our warriors are disciplined. We are prepared and ready, there are no problems.

On whether any particular instructions were issued during the discussion with the Prime Minister, General Chaiyapruk stated that he asked the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) to focus more on the job in the three southern border provinces. General Phana Klaewplodthuk, Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Deputy Director of ISOC, would visit the area more frequently to monitor the situation and try to prevent violence.

Addressing if intelligence measures should be adjusted following the Prime Minister's directives at the security meeting in Songkhla, General Chaiyapruk stated that the Army's Commander-in-Chief had previously assigned him to the area. It is already about improving intelligence collecting and responding properly. Other military-related functions are also being altered. There will be increased attention during Ramadan - before, during, and after - because data show a 20-30% increase each year before Ramadan, requiring more monitoring.