"Big Dul" reveals he has not yet received any contact from "Tea Serei Ha" regarding the request to reclaim Nong Jan village, asserting adherence to the Joint Statement and expressing confidence in the 2nd Army Region command's control of the area.
At 09:55 on 23 Jun 2026 GMT+7, at the Government House, Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Minister of Defense, spoke about the overall situation along the Thailand-Cambodia border following F-16 flight exercises and increased control measures by the Royal Thai Army. He stated that border operations require caution and strict adherence to engagement rules, especially regarding Cambodia's receipt of new tanks from China. He noted that this is part of an existing project previously discussed, but no tanks have yet been deployed along the border. Units operating in the border area, particularly within the Suranaree forces, are closely supervised by the 2nd Army Region commander with careful vigilance. Regarding recent explosions, these did not occur on Thai soil and may have been caused by new Cambodian troops unfamiliar with the area, resulting in the noise.
When asked about Cambodian soldiers digging trenches, Lieutenant General Adul said he had received reports. He explained that soldiers, wherever they are, need to establish defensive bases for self-protection and does not consider this either normal or abnormal.
When questioned about Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Cambodia, General Tea Serei Ha, preparing to request the return of Nong Jan village in Khok Sung district, Sa Kaeo province from Thailand, Lieutenant General Adul said no contact has been made so far. He reaffirmed Thailand’s position based on the Joint Statement, which resulted from the previous two conflicts.