The Defense Ministry clearly reaffirms Thailand's position, adhering to seven principles to manage the border situation. It exposes Cambodia's hiring of foreign lobbyists and stresses that the only truth is "the truth from Thailand."
On 16 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Rear Admiral Surasak Kongsiri, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, briefed on the tense situation along the Thailand-Cambodia border. He confirmed that Thailand has consistently followed seven military operational principles since the conflict began to carefully control the situation and aim for long-term peace.
The first principle is that Thailand is not the initiator of the conflict but has been continuously provoked and attacked by Cambodia, leading to clashes and violence recently.
The second principle is that Thailand adheres to international military operational standards, conducting necessary and proportionate actions. Targets are clearly distinguished, focusing attacks solely on military objectives to degrade the opposing side's capabilities.
The third principle is Thailand's utmost priority to avoid attacks that might affect civilians. It is emphasized that the core of this operation is to reduce military capacity, not to harm people. Both Thai and Cambodian civilians remain neighbors who can live peacefully together.
The fourth principle is that Thailand’s operations are precise, targeting specific threats. Targets are carefully selected and strictly military in nature.
The fifth principle addresses the evacuation of civilians on the Cambodian side, affirming this was Cambodia’s own decision. The panic and chaos resulted from Cambodia creating the atmosphere, not from Thai actions or initiation.
The sixth principle is Thailand’s firm commitment to the highest humanitarian standards, prioritizing the care of lives, property, and well-being of the people. Priority is given first to Thai citizens, with readiness to provide humanitarian aid to Cambodians if necessary.
Finally, the seventh principle declares Thailand’s ultimate goal is peace, believing the situation must end through dialogue and peaceful coexistence as good neighbors in the future.
Advancing on three main fronts
Additionally, the Defense Ministry spokesperson stated that the current conflict unfolds across three main fronts: The first front is the diplomatic dimension, where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been actively clarifying Thailand's stance to the global community clearly and continuously.
The second front is the information dimension, or Information Dimension, which is a battlefield of information warfare involving fake news, disinformation, and provocations via media and social platforms by Cambodia. This front is critically important.
The final front is the military operational dimension along the border, which Thailand does not want to cause casualties to either side's forces or civilians but must proceed due to provocations and situation-creating actions by Cambodia.
Cambodia found using lobbyists
The Defense Ministry spokesperson further revealed reports of Cambodia employing lobbyists to amplify its narrative internationally. It is confirmed that foreign lobbyists, especially Westerners, have appeared calling out through images and videos across various Cambodian locations.
These actions aim to create a sympathetic image for Cambodia before the international community, despite Thailand’s military operations being targeted and with no intent to harm civilians.
The Defense Ministry spokesperson urged Thai citizens to exercise discernment when receiving information, remain cautious of Cambodian-sourced news, and reiterated that the sole source of facts and truth is "the truth from Thailand." Thailand will continue to carefully manage all three fronts with the shared goal of achieving lasting peace and stability along the border area.