Lieutenant General Adul is awaiting verification of information after Sontiya petitioned to investigate and expel "Kan Jomphalang" from the border area. He is confident a third round of fighting with Cambodia has not occurred and reveals strict control over oil tankers delaying in the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea.
7 April 2026 GMT+7 Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Minister of Defense, commented on the case where Mr. Sontiya Sawasdee submitted a letter to the Defense Minister requesting the cessation of support for the activities of Mr. Kanthas Phongpaiboonwech, known as Kan Jomphalang, in the Thai-Cambodian border area and called for an audit of the foundation's use of funds for Kan Jomphalang.
Lieutenant General Adul stated that it must be understood that during the conflict, there was a crisis. Although the government provided a budget, urgent needs required immediate action, but government procedures take up to three months. When private sectors or citizens assisted by sending fuel for speed, bunkers were built for safety. All this stems from the love and support for soldiers defending sovereignty. However, if it goes beyond that, it must be investigated further because currently the government already provides funding.
He also addressed rumors of a third round of fighting along the Thai-Cambodian border, asking the public to trust official and military information on the ground. If fighting were to occur, warnings would be issued and civilians evacuated. Therefore, it is impossible for fighting to happen while civilians remain in the area. Personally, he assessed that if another conflict happens, it would be large-scale. If it were the opposing country, they would consider whether to fight again. He urged trust in soldiers at all levels and encouraged local residents to live happily and enjoy Songkran. Should a warning be issued, though the chance is very low, contingency plans are in place.
The Defense Minister also revealed that during the Songkran festival, he will visit the Thai-Cambodian border to support frontline soldiers and reminded the public that while everyone enjoys festivities, others remain on duty along the border. He invited media representatives to join him on the border visit.
Regarding the crackdown on illegal maritime oil smuggling, Lieutenant General Adul said that according to the mechanism in the Gulf of Thailand, the Navy has the Marine National Interest Protection Center (MNIPC) 1-2, chaired by the Prime Minister and vice-chaired by the Navy Commander, with systems to monitor all vessels. Every ship in the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea is tracked, and the Marine Department also supervises. The data confirms that each vessel’s fuel loading and expected arrival are monitored, but if ships stop or delay to wait for price increases, such actions are illegal. The Minister of Justice and he have already inspected the area. Therefore, anyone intending to delay or hoard fuel should consider the nation. While seeking profit, in the current national situation, cooperation is essential. .