The Defense Minister has ordered the retention of military forces along the Thai-Cambodian border for another year until the situation is resolved, accelerating the construction of border fences and tourist sites. A budget proposal has been submitted to the Prime Minister. He emphasized that the military will remain politically neutral in the 2026 election and will support personnel in exercising their voting rights.
On 9 Jan 2026 at 16:20 GMT+7, at the Navy Headquarters, General Natthaphon Nakpanich, Defense Minister, held a press conference after a Defense Council meeting. He expressed gratitude to the Deputy Defense Minister, Permanent Secretary of Defense, Supreme Commander, and service branch commanders for their efforts during recent operations, as well as to all personnel involved in resolving the Thai-Cambodian border situation. He praised the successful mission in protecting national sovereignty and interests.
He also received updates on the current situation, confirming it remains under control with a 24-hour monitoring and assessment system in place. He reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to the ceasefire statement and assured the public that the military is fully prepared to respond if sovereignty is infringed or national interests violated, following established rules of engagement.
He urged the public to have confidence and follow updates through government agencies and the Thai-Cambodian Information Coordination Center. He explained that operations have been divided into three dimensions: the border combat zone involving all three military branches; the diplomatic arena; and information countermeasures.
General Natthaphon also addressed regulation of military goods in the Thai-Cambodian border area, explaining that controlled items are listed under outdated 1981 laws. The regulations are being updated to cover modern military-type goods used illegally, including scam-related items. The position of the control director has been modernized as well; previously only Prachinburi province was involved, now Sa Kaeo province has been added.
On 8 Jan, he visited the border area at Chong Bok and Chong An Ma in Ubon Ratchathani province. Reports indicated the situation there is under control and unlikely to cause problems, but the military remains vigilant and ready to act at any time. Current reports from all units and the neighboring country’s posture suggest citizens can safely exercise their voting rights.
“During the visit, I emphasized patience and restraint, advising against immediate retaliation, which could escalate the situation and harm civilians. However, if a second incident occurs, it will no longer be an accident. We have rules of engagement in place. Please be assured. I avoid details to not provoke tensions. If personnel are seriously injured, proportional and necessary retaliation may follow, as seen in previous incidents,” General Natthaphon said.
General Natthaphon added that while capturing terrain has been difficult, holding it is even harder. Therefore, the following measures are necessary:
1. Maintain forces for at least one year until the situation truly stabilizes. Since the border is 798 kilometers long, it’s impossible to keep forces everywhere, so troops will remain only where necessary.
2. In some areas, install electronic fences and CCTV cameras.
3. In some areas, construct permanent fences.
4. In coordination with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, request use of previously restricted areas, possibly allowing veteran soldiers to farm there, as they still have the military spirit to help protect these zones.
5. Develop some areas as tourist attractions.
These plans have been communicated to the government and Prime Minister as budget requests.
General Natthaphon also emphasized that regarding the upcoming election, the military upholds the democratic system under the constitutional monarchy. It supports all aspects of democracy and encourages personnel to vote. Use of military spaces for election purposes will follow legal procedures and regulations. He requested the Director of the Constitutional Department to broadcast principles and guidelines to all units to strictly comply with the law. The military’s stance is to remain neutral and maintain political equality.
On public safety for voters in the Thai-Cambodian border provinces, election security is divided into two parts. Along the border, the military is responsible for protecting sovereignty and preventing any encroachment from neighboring forces. Interior areas fall under the jurisdiction of the police and related agencies, specifically the Ministry of Interior.