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Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, commander of Thailand’s Second Army Region, has downplayed concerns over recent Cambodian troop movements along the border, including the deployment of a Bodyguard Headquarters (BHQ) unit near Phu Makua. He emphasized that such rotations were routine and posed no threat to Thai sovereignty.
In a statement addressing growing speculation about the presence of Cambodian forces in the area, Lt Gen Boonsin reassured the public that “it is normal for them to observe and rotate troops. They monitor our activities, and we monitor theirs. All operations are conducted under the guidelines of the General Border Committee (GBC).”
Boonsin dismissed the notion that Cambodia’s troop movements were a direct challenge to Thailand, affirming that “any changes in their force posture are part of their internal management, and there is no cause for alarm.” He further clarified that Phu Makua, which had previously been occupied by Cambodian forces, remains firmly under Thai control in Si Sa Ket province.
The BHQ unit is believed to have ties to Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen’s inner circle. Despite this, Boonsin reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to “secure” the territory, emphasizing the country’s commitment to protecting its borders. He also noted that the Thai military is adapting its approach, employing technology and advanced equipment such as drones, mine detectors, and vehicles to monitor and patrol the region, reducing reliance on foot patrols and mitigating risks to personnel.
Regarding the potential threat from Cambodian forces planting explosives along the border, Deputy Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit confirmed the discovery of IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) near Prasat Ta Kwai in Surin province, attributing them to Cambodian military activity. He assured that Thai forces had been instructed to neutralize any explosives immediately and report the findings to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“If Cambodian forces attempt to plant devices in front of our troops, they will face serious consequences,” Gen Nattaphon warned, stressing that Thailand remains vigilant in safeguarding its borders despite any political uncertainty in the region.
Lt Gen Boonsin also addressed concerns about drones entering Thai airspace, saying that the Thai military has deployed anti-drone systems and plans to expand its long-term procurement for better border surveillance. He reiterated that “Our soldiers’ safety is our top priority,” and that the focus remains on maintaining stability and minimizing casualties.
Source: Bangkok Post
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan