Gen. Rangsi revealed that Cambodia is provoking Thai soldiers at the frontline to stir unrest, hoping to push for talks to reopen the border crossing after the country's economy collapsed. He said oil prices in Cambodia have now risen as high as 250 baht per liter.
On 9 March 2026, General Rangsi Kitiyanant, leader of the Economic Party and former advisor to the First Army Region, spoke with Thairath TV reporters about the border situation in Samtae, Sisaket Province, where Cambodian soldiers have been provoking right at the barbed wire fence line. He noted that provocations and harassment have increased recently because Cambodia is trying every means to get to the negotiation table. Such provocation and incitement are tactics to create unrest that could lead to negotiations.
General Rangsi stated that Cambodia wants to get to the negotiation table because it wants Thailand to reopen the border crossing. Since the border was closed last year, Cambodia’s economy has been severely damaged. The ongoing US-Iran conflict has worsened the economic situation. Recent data indicates oil prices in Cambodia have surged to 250 baht per liter. This has led Cambodian soldiers to provoke and incite Thai troops at the frontline to cause unrest or clashes, aiming to push for negotiations.
However, he believes the Thai military is already prepared. If a response leading to a third clash becomes necessary, he recommends that the military push forward into Cambodian territory. He warned that if civilians’ areas are fired upon, the military should completely destroy the casinos. If fighting occurs, he advised the military not to prolong the conflict but to act decisively and forcefully.
Regarding the border wall construction, which seems to have quieted down, he believes this is because the Bhumjaithai Party government has not yet been officially formed. He is confident that once the government is established, the border wall construction and the cancellation of MOUs 43-44—as previously promised by Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul—will be implemented concretely.