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Air Force Spokesperson Explains Trumps Remarks on Retaliation, Affirms Thailands Self-Defense with Necessary Force

Politic13 Dec 2025 12:48 GMT+7

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Air Force Spokesperson Explains Trumps Remarks on Retaliation, Affirms Thailands Self-Defense with Necessary Force

The Air Force spokesperson explained Trump's remarks on retaliation, affirming that the Thai military's actions are based on self-defense and use only necessary force. He revealed the destruction of several supply routes. The Army spokesperson noted that no one believes 100% in a ceasefire until Cambodia provides clear evidence.


On 13 Dec 2025 GMT+7, during a briefing at the Joint Press Center for the Thailand-Cambodia border situation, reporters asked, whether there would truly be a ceasefire this evening. Lieutenant Colonel Richcha Suksuwanont, Deputy Army Spokesperson, stated that this could not be confirmed, as what is said and what is done are completely different matters. He said Cambodia talks about wanting to negotiate peace and has signed a Joint Declaration, but actions on the ground differ entirely. It remains clear that attacks on Thai targets continue. Cambodia initiated the situation; Thailand is not the aggressor nor initiator of attacks. Thailand acts solely to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Therefore, regarding talks reportedly planned this afternoon, he believes no one will trust 100% until Cambodia demonstrates clarity and sincerity.

Regarding questions about the current status of efforts to intercept or cut off weapon supplies originating from Cambodia, and how risks to the operational teams are assessed, Lieutenant Colonel Richcha said, military operations, including the Air Force's strikes on targets, are planned to undermine Cambodia's capabilities. These targets align with ground operations conducted by the Army and Navy.

. Air Force General Jakkrich Thamwichai, Air Force Spokesperson, added clarification: These targets are pre-identified, with each clash area having specific supply routes. A key target is locations used to transport and move heavy weapons and equipment, such as the bridge attacked last night, which serves as a route for heavy weaponry into operational zones. This impacts the safety and effectiveness of Thai forces' operations. We were requested to strike to cut off these supply routes, which exist in several locations. He declined to confirm how many sites were hit but said many have been targeted, significantly reducing supply flows to frontlines. Because shelling can deeply affect the Thai civilian population, the conflict continues to require ongoing fighting.

"Regarding military actions, yesterday (12 Dec 2025 GMT+7), President Trump used the term 'Retaliate,' meaning we counter or respond to the opposing side's actions. Currently, the Thai military operates on the basis of self-defense. We use only the force necessary and proportional to the threats against us," he said.

It is evident that efforts are made across all sectors to minimize impact on uninvolved civilians, as seen in target selection and weapon use. The military understands the blast radius and coverage of bombs dropped and fired. Therefore, precision weapons are chosen, with confidence they will not affect civilians uninvolved in the conflict. This operating principle has been in place since the events began in July and remains unchanged. The military adheres to the principle of using only necessary force and limiting effects strictly to undermining Cambodia's military capacity.