Air Force defends strikes on Cambodian positions as self-defence

The Thai Air Force has defended its operations against military targets inside Cambodia, saying the action was carried out strictly in self-defence and in response to direct threats to Thai troops and civilians living along the border.

Air Force spokesman, Air Marshal Jackkrit Thammavichai, said the operation was conducted jointly with the Suranaree Task Force, after Cambodian forces began military activities deemed to pose an immediate threat to Thai security and to personnel stationed in the area.

The statement was issued after Thai Army spokesman, Maj Winthai Suvaree, revealed that the Thai Air Force used F-16 fighter jets to strike Cambodian positions in the Chong Ahn Ma border area in retaliation for a series of Cambodian attacks early Monday, which left one Thai soldier dead and two injured.

The F-16 fighter jets were deployed to support ground forces, targeting Cambodian artillery positions that had fired into Thai territory, he said.

The Air Force spokesman said operational assessments confirmed the movement of heavy weapons, the mobilisation of combat units and preparations for artillery support by Cambodian forces.

These are indications that the confrontation could escalate in a way that would destabilise the border region.

This prompted Thailand to launch air strikes to deter and degrade Cambodia’s military capability to the minimum level necessary to safeguard Thailand’s security and protect residents near the frontier, he added.

He stressed that the mission was carried out with caution and was strictly limited to military infrastructure, including weapons depots, command centres and logistical routes.

Post-strike assessments were also conducted, to ensure that the operation complied with international principles of self-defence under the UN Charter and adhered to the criteria of necessity and proportionality.

The Air Force stressed that it remains committed to protecting civilian lives and property and to the minimization of unnecessary risks during the operation.

“The Royal Thai Air Force will continue to act responsibly and respond to threats that undermine national sovereignty and the safety of the Thai people, with the overarching goal of maintaining regional stability and preventing further escalation,” the statement said.