"Maj. Gen. Meow" points out that controlling the border situation requires solving all dimensions using Thailand’s strategy alongside international law, which is the only dependable shield. He warns the government not to become a victim of pressure from great powers.
On 15 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Maj. Gen. Phra Thon Phattanathabut, Chairman of the Security Strategy of the Thai Sang Thai Party, commented on the ongoing tense Thai-Cambodian border situation, noting that from the U.S. President’s perspective,that the incidentwhere Thai soldiers stepped on a landmine was merely an accident and that Thailand’s retaliation was excessive is a narrative that does not reflect the facts on the ground and contradicts international law principles. The real context is Cambodia’s continuous violations and incursions into Thai sovereignty. Thailand’s response is therefore legitimate self-defense, not excessive use of force as claimed internationally.
The U.S. stance, which pressures or threatens Thailand to cease fire without clearly demanding Cambodia adhere to existing agreements, represents diplomatic imbalance and could undermine international justice. If great powers pressure the party defending sovereignty rather than the party violating agreements to stop their actions, it undermines the credibility of international rules and sends a wrong signal to smaller countries that aggression may go unpunished.
Calls to reconsider selling GAM-102LR to Cambodia
Maj. Gen. Phra Thon raised concerns about the recent seizure of new Chinese-made GAM-120LR guided anti-tank missiles by Thai forces, reflecting China’s prioritization of arms trade over long-term strategic relations with Thailand. Given Cambodia’s clear aggression against Thai sovereignty, China’s continued arms sales to Cambodia should be seriously reconsidered, as it threatens regional stability and highlights the risks of relying on great powers during crises.
“Resolving the Thai-Cambodian border issue can no longer rely mainly on great powers like the U.S. or China. Thailand must build its own security resilience by strictly adhering to international law and humanitarian principles as a protective shield to gain legitimacy in the international community. This must be combined with strengthening the state’s sustainable defense capabilities to avoid becoming a pawn or victim in international power games,” Maj. Gen. Phra Thon said.
He emphasized that decisively overcoming conflicts with Cambodia cannot rely solely on military operations but requires an integrated border security strategy. This includes military missions, border security management, combating transnational crime, migration control, economic measures such as banning oil transport to Cambodia, and careful diplomatic efforts.
He also expressed grave concern about Thai nationals detained in Cambodia under conditions resembling hostages, which may constitute violations of international law and humanitarian principles. This situation requires urgent resolution based on human dignity and state responsibility to the international community.