TRAT, Thailand — The Royal Thai Navy has launched Operation “Trat Phikhat Phairee 1” (Trat Strike 1) following fresh aggression by Cambodian forces attempting to widen the conflict zone along Thailand’s eastern border, July 26.
At 5:10 a.m., Cambodian troops initiated a new offensive near Ban Chamrak in Trat Province, marking the third consecutive day of border clashes. The Cambodian side reportedly attempted to seize new ground. In response, Thailand’s Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defense Command engaged in a counteroffensive to repel the incursion.
In coordination with the ground operation, the First Naval Area Command mobilized a four-ship special task group near Koh Kood and Ban Hat Lek to provide fire support. The task group, comprising fast attack gunboats and patrol vessels, is capable of launching coordinated strikes within one minute of receiving orders — a capability that Cambodian troops in the area are known to fear.
By 5:40 a.m., Thai naval and ground forces had successfully pushed back the Cambodian troops from the contested positions and regained control of three strategic points along the border.
According to military sources, the Royal Thai Navy’s operation aims to dismantle Cambodian military outposts that had been illegally established inside Thai territory. These included artillery emplacements and forward positions reportedly used to support further incursions.
The situation remains tense, with Thai forces on high alert. Navy and army units continue to coordinate closely in the region to ensure the sovereignty and safety of Thailand’s coastal borderlands.
