"Ban Sam Lang" in Trat Province is strategically important, prompting a military operation to reclaim it from Cambodia after long-standing encroachment. Before dawn on 14 Dec 2025 GMT+7, the Marine Corps retook the area and successfully raised the Thai national flag on the flagpole.
Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiphan, spokesman for the Royal Thai Navy, revealed that today (14 December 2025 GMT+7), the Navy’s Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defense Command and the Trat Marine Task Force conducted a joint military operation with the Air Force to reclaim Thai sovereign territory at Ban 3 Lang, Ban Nong Ree, Chamrak Subdistrict, Mueang District, Trat Province. This area had been encroached upon by opposing forces within Thailand’s territory. The operation began at dawn with heavy clashes, conducted under the principles of self-defense according to international law and prioritizing the protection of national sovereignty.
At 07:20 GMT+7, the Navy secured and took control of the area, fully expelling opposing forces. They then raised the Thai national flag on site to affirm Thailand’s sovereignty.
The significance and military operation at "Ban Sam Lang" refer to the area around Ban Nong Ree, Chamrak Subdistrict, Mueang District, Trat Province. This location has been a longstanding flashpoint in the Thai-Cambodian border conflict for decades. The area holds strategic importance and is a sensitive issue regarding Thailand’s territorial sovereignty.
Affirming Sovereignty Over Territory:
"Ban Sam Lang" is an area where Cambodia has encroached into Thai territory for over 40 years. Reclaiming this area serves to affirm and protect national sovereignty in accordance with international law and principles of self-defense.
Controlling the area and raising the Thai flag are the clearest symbols demonstrating ownership and sovereignty of the country.
This area is a strategic point along the border used by opposing forces as a stronghold, causing tension and potential threats to the security of Trat Province and neighboring areas.
Safety and Livelihood of Thai Citizens:
Cambodia’s encroachment and use of this area as a military base have directly impacted the safety and property of Thai villagers living near the border. Shelling and artillery fire into Thai territory have forced residents to flee and disrupted their normal livelihoods. Retaking this area restores security and a safe way of life for the people.
Cambodia has used the "Ban Sam Lang" area, which encroaches on Thai land, for military purposes—especially as a fortified stronghold and strategic point to station forces along the border:
Military Stronghold: Cambodia has continuously reinforced its military presence.
Site Modification: They have dug underground bunkers and trenches beneath Ban Sam Lang to serve as shelters and fortified positions against Thai attacks.
Weapons Storage: The area is believed to be used for storing weapons and military equipment.
Artillery Base: Heavy weapons such as artillery have been used to fire upon Thai homes, civilians, and military forces.
The Royal Thai Navy’s Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defense Command launched Operation "Trat Prab Prapak" to reclaim the territory because Cambodia’s encroachment and use of the area as a military base posed a security threat to Thailand. The decision to destroy and reclaim the area was based on key principles:
Preserving Sovereignty: Cambodia’s encroachment and military buildup in Thai border areas seriously violate national sovereignty. Using military force was the "minimum necessary" measure to reclaim the territory and is consistent with the right of self-defense under international law.
Destroying Opposing Strongholds: To fully control the area and prevent future incursions, it was necessary to demolish all three houses and underground bunkers Cambodia had fortified, as well as destroy military equipment stored there.
Responding to Attacks: This operation followed confirmation that Cambodia had reinforced forces and weaponry and initiated artillery fire against Thai forces first. The response was to defend and stop further attacks on Thai personnel and civilians.