“Minister of Defence” Inspects Border Troops Ahead of Mobile Cabinet Meeting

Today (2 November 2026), Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen, Minister of Defence, accompanied by Permanent Secretary for Defence Gen. Saran Petcharanon and their delegation, visited the Suranari Task Force and the Surasakmontri Task Force. The visit preceded the mobile Cabinet meeting scheduled for November 3, 2026, in Udon Thani province. The purpose was to monitor the security situation along the border, receive operational reports and proposals from local units, and offer encouragement to the soldiers tasked with defending national sovereignty and ensuring public safety.

During his visit to the Suranari Task Force, the Minister of Defence traveled to the Sam Yaek operational base and the Ta Muen Thom temple complex. He received a briefing on the current situation and the unit's state of readiness. The Royal Thai Army, the Second Army Area, and the Suranari Task Force have maintained a consistent presence and implemented robust security measures along the border including surveillance of critical areas, adherence to rules of engagement, and coordination at the local level—to prevent any incidents that could compromise national sovereignty or the safety of the public.

The Minister of Defence expressed his full confidence in the performance of unit commanders and personnel at all levels. The Minister of Defence emphasized that the Ministry’s duty is to ensure that the armed forces are fully prepared to carry out their missions. This includes addressing infrastructure and living condition issues for personnel through the policy of “running water, reliable electricity, good access roads, and mobile network coverage.” This initiative aims to improve water and power systems, tactical routes, and communication networks, thereby enhancing operational efficiency while simultaneously elevating the quality of life for soldiers stationed along the borders.

Following this, the Minister of Defence visited the Surasakmontri Task Force, which is responsible for border security and the interdiction of illicit drugs. He received a briefing on operational outcomes and existing challenges, while stressing the importance of integrated cooperation among the Royal Thai Army, the police, civil administrative authorities, local leaders, and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). Such collaboration is essential for strengthening efforts to prevent and intercept narcotics before they can reach the country’s interior.

During the visit, the Minister met with personnel from the task forces, providing them with morale-boosting supplies. He also listened to concerns regarding welfare, living conditions, and necessary support, reiterating that caring for frontline personnel is a shared responsibility of the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces. This ensures that soldiers serving in high-risk areas remain motivated and fully prepared to execute their duties.

After the inspection, the Minister of Defence spoke to the press regarding the situation along the Thai–Cambodian border, confirming that the Royal Thai Army and local units remain fully prepared to safeguard national sovereignty and continue to maintain complete control over all key areas held by the Thai side. Regarding the situation near Hill 642, the Commander of the Second Army Area and the Commander of the Suranaree Task Force have issued clear directives in accordance with the rules of engagement; the situation in the area remains under control.

As for discussions between Thailand and Cambodia, the Minister of Defence stated that while talks at the government and ministerial levels are currently on hold, dialogue remains open at the secretariat level for both sides. This is intended to foster mutual understanding and facilitate the implementation of the Joint Statement. He emphasized that unless the existing agreement is upheld, no further discussions at other levels will take place.

The Minister of Defence acknowledged that “concerns naturally exist” but noted that commanders at all levels remain vigilant and fully prepared. He urged the public to have confidence in the preparations made by the Thai side and to stay informed through updates provided by provincial authorities and local military units.

Regarding the situation along the Thai-Myanmar border, where ongoing conflict has affected Thai citizens, the Minister of Defence stated that the Chief of Defence Forces of Thailand has communicated directly with his Myanmar counterpart via a military hotline. Furthermore, the Myanmar military attaché was invited to receive an expression of Thailand’s concerns a gesture that was met with a positive response. This reflects the efforts of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, through established military coordination mechanisms, to prevent and mitigate any impact on Thailand. Meanwhile, the Third Army Area, in collaboration with provincial governors, district chiefs, and local agencies, has made preparations to look after the public. Any decision to evacuate residents will depend on safety assessments based on the actual situation; while the intensity of the conflict may have eased somewhat, the situation continues to be monitored closely.

The Minister of Defence affirmed his confidence in the performance of the armed forces and security agencies at all levels, as they carry out their missions with a sense of responsibility and self-sacrifice. The Ministry of Defence will provide continuous support through policy, resources, and inter-agency coordination to ensure that personnel remain well-prepared and highly motivated, enabling them to effectively fulfill their duties in safeguarding national sovereignty and ensuring the safety of the public.

Photo : Yanawut Samphaothong