The First Army Region explained the regulation of the border area in Sa Kaeo Province around the three villages of Khlong Phaeng, Nong Chan, and Ban Nong Ya Kaeo, which are within Thai sovereignty, to ensure order and to protect the security and safety of the people.
On 31 Dec 2025 GMT+7, the First Army Region clarified the Thai side's operations in the Thai-Cambodian border area of Sa Kaeo Province, affirming that their actions were carried out carefully, based on correctness and responsibility toward national security and the safety of residents in the border area.
The area in question includes Khlong Phaeng Village, Nong Chan Village, and Ban Nong Ya Kaeo Village. These areas have always been part of Thailand's sovereignty.
Following past unrest within Cambodia, Thailand allowed Cambodian people to temporarily take refuge in these areas for humanitarian reasons and facilitated international agencies' involvement in humanitarian aid. This context shows that the area was used for humanitarian support, not as a transfer of authority or rights over the territory.
Later, as the situation changed, Thailand discovered that structures resembling Cambodian government offices had been built there, alongside the presence of armed forces and Cambodian security units stationed in the area—shifting the area from a humanitarian refuge to a situation affecting the country's security and sovereignty.
The First Army Region's intervention to regulate the area, including dismantling some structures, was a necessary duty to restore order, prevent the misuse of the area that could impact security, and ensure the border is managed according to the Thai state's intent. The operation was not aimed at innocent civilians and continued to observe humanitarian principles.
The First Army Region confirmed that Thailand has no policy to infringe on any country's sovereignty, and all procedures were carried out to protect national sovereignty, security, and the safety of border residents.
The First Army Region urged the public to trust that the forces' mission is conducted transparently, carefully, and based on factual conditions on the ground, fully committed to protecting the nation's interests and the people's peace.
Information courtesy of the First Army Region.