Thailand watching border amid Cambodia tank deployment: NSC

National Security Council (NSC) chief today described the Thai-Cambodian border situation as "delicate", particularly following reports of China's delivery of tanks to Cambodia and the deployment of some of the tanks to the border.

Thailand is closely monitoring developments along the border to ensure safety, NSC Secretary General Chatchai Bangchuad said, emphasising that "the situation in the area remains fragile, but we continue to abide by the ceasefire agreement that has already been implemented."

Chatchai said he believes the situation remains manageable at the local level, where communication channels between the two sides continue to function despite occasional friction.

"Although there may be some clashes or disagreements, there is still room for dialogue, allowing progress to continue," he said.

Regarding Cambodia's move to pursue compulsory conciliation under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in relation to maritime boundary issues with Thailand, Chatchai said the matter is being handled by the Foreign Ministry, which is preparing details and considering appropriate responses.

Asked about remarks by Hun Sen that Cambodia could use both negotiation mechanisms and military force to reclaim territory from Thailand, Chatchai said such comments should be viewed in their political context.

"I understand that he has to speak within that context, but Thailand will follow an appropriate approach, as outlined by the prime minister," he said.

He added that it is too early to assess whether Hun Sen would actually pursue such a course of action, but reiterated that Thailand is prepared and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Chatchai also said it remains difficult to predict Hun Sen's future stance and that authorities will continue evaluating developments.

Meanwhile, Hun Sen, who is currently serving as Cambodia's acting head of state, urged Thai media outlets to accurately report his comments regarding Cambodia's position on resolving border issues with Thailand. He insisted that Phnom Penh remains committed to peaceful means rather than military action.

Speaking at a meeting with local councils and officials from Siem Reap and Oddar Meanchey provinces on Tuesday, Hun Sen said some Thai media outlets had misrepresented remarks he recently made at a displacement centre known as "Waiting Village".

"I did not call for military measures," Hun Sen said. "I clearly emphasised peaceful means, and this approach will remain part of the Cambodian People's Party's political platform for the 2027 and 2028 elections."

He reiterated that the ruling Cambodian People's Party favours peaceful solutions to border disputes with Thailand and called on Thai journalists to quote his remarks accurately and in their full context.

Hun Sen also cautioned political leaders against relying solely on media reports, particularly when those reports may distort the original message.