BANGKOK, Thailand – The Royal Thai Army has assured the public that it can redeploy heavy weapons swiftly if Cambodia fails to comply with the three-phase arms withdrawal agreement. Army Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree said the relocation of equipment to Lopburi does not affect operational readiness and that the military remains fully prepared to respond if the situation deteriorates.
Regarding reports that Cambodian authorities obstructed Thai officials from observing mine clearance operations in the Chong Sai Taku area of Buriram Province, Maj. Gen. Winthai confirmed that the Thailand Mine Action Center (TMAC) continues its mission as planned while Cambodia awaits orders from its higher command.
TMAC began mine clearance operations in the area on October 28, 2025, and as of November 1 had completed verification of 7.62% of the 355,026-square-meter zone. During operations, Thai troops encountered Cambodian soldiers along the planned working line, leading to a coordination meeting to ensure mutual understanding. The Cambodian side requested that Thai teams limit their work to Thai territory, refrain from altering the terrain, and avoid placing barbed wire, though they allowed land clearing and marking.
Thai authorities proceeded with the clearance within Thai territory under Cambodian observation. The Thai AOT team later joined the mission on November 1 to monitor progress and review operational challenges.
Both Thailand and Cambodia previously agreed on joint demining along the border under an ASEAN-endorsed framework. Thailand has reaffirmed its readiness to carry out demining across all 13 designated areas, while Cambodia has yet to begin concrete operations on its side. (TNA)
