8 December 2025 at 15.30 hrs. , Government Spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat provided an official clarification regarding the sequence of border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia to prevent any misrepresentation of the facts. He confirmed unequivocally that Cambodian forces initiated the use of heavy weapons, resulting in injuries to Thai soldiers and, subsequently, death.
Thailand, therefore, was compelled to conduct defensive operations, exercising its inherent right of self-defense as a sovereign state, fully consistent with international norms.
The Spokesperson disclosed that, to reduce confusion and ensure an accurate public understanding of the situation, the Government is releasing a verified timeline of the armed clashes in the Phu Pha Lek–Phlan Hin Paed Kon area, Kanthalalak District, Si Sa Ket Province, which were initiated by Cambodian forces starting on 7 December 2025, as follows:
7 December 2025
- 14:15 hrs. A unit from Infantry Battalion 13 (Task Force 1), while conducting routine operations, came under initial small-arms fire from Cambodian soldiers (RCAF).
- Two Thai soldiers were injured: Sgt. Anuchart Rueankham and Pvt. Pornchai Champajum
- 14:16 hrs. Thai forces were compelled to return fire in self-defense, in full compliance with the Rules of Engagement (ROE), using weapons proportionate and necessary to the threat. Cambodian forces escalated by firing anti-tank weapons (RPGs) at Thai positions. The Commander of the 2nd Army Area immediately ordered all units to elevate their readiness to the highest level.
- 14:50 hrs. Thai operational units continued heightened surveillance and maintained maximum defensive readiness. Then, at 14:53 hrs., the injured personnel were subsequently evacuated for urgent medical treatment.
- 16:00 hrs. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered reinforcement of troops and activation of civilian evacuation plans. The Armed Forces were instructed to increase security measures along the entire border and provincial authorities in the four border provinces were directed to accelerate the relocation of civilians to designated safe zones.
The Prime Minister reiterated that Thailand does not seek violence, but cannot tolerate any violation of Thai sovereignty.
8 December 2025
- 03:00 hrs. Cambodian forces targeted Thai territory with fire aimed toward Buriram Airport, Buriram Province, and Prasat Hospital, Surin Province.
- 05:00 hrs. Cambodian troops opened fire on Thai defensive lines in the An Ma area. Thai forces responded in accordance with the ROE.
- 06:00 hrs. Cambodian forces launched additional indirect-fire weapons toward Thai positions in An Ma.
It is evident that, from early dawn, Cambodian forces initiated attacks across multiple areas, with significant escalation after 05:00 hrs., including the use of heavy weaponry. This led to the death of at least one Thai soldier.
Consequently, Thailand was compelled to deploy fighter aircraft to strike Cambodian military positions to prevent further casualties among Thai personnel. All actions were proportionate and strictly consistent with international standards governing the use of force.
The Spokesperson reiterated that Thailand has always upheld peaceful principles and values peaceful coexistence within the region. However, in this instance, Cambodia initiated the use of weapons, leading to Thai casualties. Thailand therefore had no choice but to defend its sovereignty, protect its personnel, and maintain national security under its legitimate right of self-defense.
All Thai actions strictly comply with international rules governing the use of force, humanitarian principles, and the requirement of a proportionate response.
The Spokesperson added that the Prime Minister has clearly stated “Thailand seeks peace, but cannot allow its sovereignty to be violated. The Government stands ready to undertake all necessary measures to protect the nation and the Thai people.”
He further noted that Thailand continues to pursue diplomatic channels alongside field operations to prevent further escalation and to uphold peace in accordance with Thailand’s longstanding principles.
The Thai Government calls upon both domestic and international media to present the news accurately and in their full context, in order to prevent any misunderstanding and inadvertently portraying Thailand as the aggressor when, in fact, Thailand has been the party under attack from the initiation of attacks by Cambodian forces.
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