BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed that Cambodian forces have moved 200 meters into a disputed border zone near Chong Bok in Ubon Ratchathani province. However, he emphasized that the area in question is classified as No Man’s Land, where territorial claims by both sides overlap and remain unresolved.
Speaking after his visit to the Thai-Cambodian border, Phumtham warned the public to be cautious about misinformation. He stated that reports of landmines in the area are based on outdated images and are not reflective of the current situation. He urged against spreading confusion and undermining public trust.
Phumtham explained that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), a bilateral body responsible for handling border issues between Thailand and Cambodia. According to him, Cambodia’s action breaches Article 5 of the JBC agreement. Thailand, he said, has solid evidence and documentation to present at the upcoming JBC meeting in Phnom Penh on June 14.
“This is not about surrendering,” Phumtham asserted. “Thailand has started from a position of peace. If Cambodia refuses to acknowledge this issue, we will handle it through diplomatic mechanisms already in place.”
He noted that similar disputes were successfully resolved via JBC negotiations during the 2010–2011 border tensions, and the same approach is being applied now. “We want Cambodia to respect the process. The location where Cambodian forces have encamped is in a No Man’s Land zone—neither side holds confirmed sovereignty there. Our 2nd Army Region Commander said our troops had already moved back to the previous neutral point, but Cambodia has not.”
Phumtham stressed that Thailand is not conceding anything and has maintained a peaceful posture throughout. “This is not about scoring political points. National interest should not be used for petty political gain or to create division,” he said.
He confirmed that the National Security Council held a special subcommittee meeting on June 4 to monitor the situation closely. Although he did not meet the Prime Minister in person on June 5, he submitted a report via internal channels.
Regarding claims that Cambodia had raised the border clash at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Phumtham clarified the situation. “A Cambodian soldier—not an official delegate—asked a question during a session involving Thailand, the Philippines, and Estonia. It was not a formal complaint or presentation on the main stage. Therefore, it does not warrant an official Thai protest.”
On potential consequences for Cambodia violating Article 5 of the JBC agreement, Phumtham said the Royal Thai Army has been on alert since previous incidents, including the burning of a border pavilion. He expressed confidence in the military’s preparedness and reiterated that the June 14 JBC meeting will be critical. If Cambodia is unable to host the session, Thailand is prepared to do so.
He also explained that Thai military representatives have consistently lodged formal protests through the Suranaree Task Force. During direct talks, the Cambodian side claimed ownership over the area, but Thailand maintains that it falls under the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU 43), which designates the land as under negotiation. “We have always used peaceful channels. We don’t want to reveal everything we’ve done, but we’re fully prepared,” he added.
Phumtham said that before the June 14 meeting, both sides should avoid further actions. “That would be ideal, but we can’t control everything. If anything happens, we will lodge official protests.”
He firmly rejected accusations that attending the JBC talks is a sign of weakness. “Meeting doesn’t mean surrender. The real issue here is confusion—especially images shown by Samdech Hun Sen, which were from the disputed Tri Muk Pavilion area, not the actual no man’s land. It’s causing misunderstanding,” Phumtham explained.
When asked about emergency measures, he confirmed that under martial law, the regional army commander has the authority to close border crossings immediately, but as of now, steps will be taken gradually to avoid escalating tensions unnecessarily.
Finally, regarding a planned protest by the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) at the Ministry of Defense, Phumtham said he’s not avoiding it. “There will be someone to receive the petition. I have full duties at both Government House and the Ministry of Defense today,” he said, affirming that he was not dodging responsibility. (TNA)
