"Army Chief of Staff" assures no need to worry about “Cambodia” approaching border, assures “Thai Army” has standard response procedures

Today (30 April 2026), 10:10 AM at the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), General Chaiyapruk Duangprapat, Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Army and Secretary-General of ISOC, gave an interview to the media regarding the Thai-Cambodian border issue. This concerns reports that Cambodia has approached the border fence, despite Thailand's efforts to maintain both sides in their original positions after the ceasefire. He stated that Thailand has a clear approach to resolving the issue using force.

General Chaiyapruk further added that the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army has given a policy directive that this approach to force must be strictly adhered to. If Cambodia violates any of the agreed-upon terms, we will retaliate through various means. As we have seen in the news, Cambodia has deployed ASEAN Observer Teams (AOT) to the area, bringing troops closer to the perimeter fence we maintain. We have countermeasures in place to prevent Cambodia from repeating such actions. I reiterate that we will not allow Cambodia to interfere or disrupt our area, causing panic among our residents. The military will not tolerate such actions.

When asked how this trust can lead to cooperation when Cambodia has not complied with the agreed-upon conditions, General Chaiyapruk stated that at the policy level, including at the senior government and military levels, discussions have emphasized that such actions are strictly forbidden. If Cambodia violates the agreement, we will not remain silent and will proceed according to our established procedures.

Regarding the Prasat Ta Kwai site, where Cambodia protested against Thailand's involvement, General Chaiyapruk said there is no problem, as Cambodia likely cannot do much more than that. He assured the public that Thailand is fully prepared and will protect the site.

As for when the talks in the southern region will begin, General Chaiyapruk stated that we have to wait for the negotiating team appointed by the Prime Minister. I personally expect it to be as soon as possible. Currently, there is no timeline; we will have to wait for the official order from the appointed team. Regarding the case where Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also the Minister of Interior, has authorized Mr. Wan Muhammad Nor Matha (Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Prachachart Party, in his capacity as an advisor to the Prime Minister) to oversee and resolve the unrest in the southern border provinces, General Chaiyapruk said that the Prime Minister has been in constant communication with the military. Therefore, there is no need to worry.