"Big Lek" chaired the Defense Council meeting, affirming continued support for families of troops who died at the border. He revealed contacting the Cambodian defense minister to warn about forest fires, the spread of fake news, and landmines, and declined to comment on a ministerial position in the next government.
On 23 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Gen. Natthaphon Nakpanich, Minister of Defense, chaired a Defense Council meeting at the Royal Thai Air Force Headquarters. The meeting lasted over two hours before he shared several key points with the media.
Gen. Natthaphon said the first matter to inform the public is the care of parents and heirs of troops who died in border operations. He personally visited and encouraged several soldiers' families and found many affected in healthcare rights, especially a case where a son was the family's only soldier and died in service. This ended the son's direct-pay medical benefits for the family. Therefore, he raised this to the prime minister to amend the decree to grant parents or widows of soldiers who died in duty the same direct-pay healthcare rights as when their son or husband was alive. The National Health Security Office has approved this principle and is now working through the detailed procedures.
Another issue is that the Thai military command has established the Joint Defense Command (JDC) to clarify and unify joint operations among the armed forces after lessons learned from past Thai-Cambodian situations.
Regarding the border situation, Gen. Natthaphon revealed he previously contacted Cambodia's defense minister to express concerns about landmines and recently contacted him again to raise two main concerns: forest fires and the spread of fake news. These issues could cause misunderstandings and conflicts. He emphasized that if Cambodia truly seeks peaceful solutions, such actions should not be used. Despite prior warnings, forest fires continue, and a further reminder was made yesterday.
He also expressed concern about the spread of false information or fake news, especially claims that Thai soldiers shot Cambodian soldiers causing injuries. Investigations found wound characteristics inconsistent with gunshot injuries, and warnings have been sent back.
On managing the border area, the defense minister acknowledged the need to maintain troops but noted that long-term deployment is costly. Therefore, he proposed five approaches, including:
1. Maintaining forces according to situational needs.
2. Installing electronic fences and CCTV systems in areas such as Khlong Luek and Thmor Da.
3. Building permanent fences in areas with clearly defined border lines.
4. Allocating some border areas for veterans to cultivate and help maintain the land, with discussions already held with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to enhance local security.
5. Developing suitable areas, like Phu Ma Kuea and Chong An Ma, into eco-tourism sites or memorials to allow public involvement and help monitor changes in the area.
Gen. Natthaphon added that he has fully shared his experience and knowledge at the Defense Council meeting and stressed that he will do his best regardless of his position. Regarding a role in the next government, he said no discussions have occurred and declined to comment, affirming his commitment to complete his current term and expedite any pending matters.
He also urged military commanders to broaden their perspectives beyond military aspects to include foreign relations, social psychology, and economic dimensions concurrently.