Thairath Online
Thairath Online

Army Intelligence Chief Believes Cambodia Will Launch Third Round of Fighting, Notes Large Arms Purchases from Eastern Europe

Society24 Mar 2026 11:00 GMT+7

Share article

Army Intelligence Chief Believes Cambodia Will Launch Third Round of Fighting, Notes Large Arms Purchases from Eastern Europe

The Army Intelligence Chief believes Cambodia will definitely launch a third round of fighting after large arms purchases were found from several Eastern European countries. He warned Thai soldiers not to be complacent and to prepare fully for their duties.


Update on the Thailand-Cambodia border situation: On 24 Mar 2026, Lieutenant General Theeranan Nantkhwang, Army Intelligence Chief, posted on Facebook saying, “No mission too difficult, no sacrifice too great, duty first.”

“No mission is too difficult, no sacrifice too great, because our duty comes above all else.”

Today, the situation at the Thailand-Cambodia border seems to be shifting away from military combat toward strategies involving international law and global pressure on Thailand. However, amid conflicts involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran overshadowing the issue, it remains uncertain that military fighting will not occur again.

There are two major factors to consider.

1) Cambodia’s large arms purchases from several Eastern European countries.

2) Cambodia’s upcoming election in 2027.

Therefore, these two points signal the possibility of a third military clash at the Thailand-Cambodia border. It is not expected to happen immediately, but the 4-5 months following the rainy season is a period to watch carefully. Hence, we cannot be complacent.

Our soldiers must focus on two key tasks.

1) Conduct additional training using lessons learned from the previous two conflicts to refine strategies for future engagements.

2) Restore troop strength and accumulate weapons and equipment to ensure readiness for the next battle.

Let us not become complacent or overly pleased with the outcomes of the past two conflicts. Complete preparation to fulfill our duties is what every soldier must focus on now.