Army intelligence chief warns of third round of clashes with Cambodia

The Thai army intelligence chief has warned of the possibility of a third round of armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, citing Cambodia’s increased purchases of weapons from Eastern European countries.

Writing in a Facebook post on Tuesday, Lt Gen Teeranan Nandhakwang said the border situation between the two countries appears, for now, to have shifted away from military confrontation towards Cambodia’s use of international law to apply pressure on Thailand, but these efforts are being overshadowed by the conflict in the Middle East.

He noted, however, that Thailand cannot be lulled into a false sense of security and that the threat of armed conflict cannot be ruled out, citing two reasons.

Firstly, he claimed that Cambodia has purchased a large amount of weapons from Eastern Europe and, secondly, that there will be a general election in Cambodia next year.

These are the two indicators that a third round of clashes may break out, although not in the immediate future because of the rainy season, which will last four to five months, he said, as he cautioned the Thai military to remain on alert.

The army intelligence chief recommended that Thai troops enhance their training and learn lessons from the last two rounds of clashes with Cambodian forces.

He said they should also stockpile weapons and maintain combat readiness.

Meanwhile, Army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree said that forces from both sides remain deployed near the border, but not in as close proximity as in previous periods.

He was responding to reports that Cambodian troops are deploying close to the border near Ta Kwai Temple in Surin province.

Winthai said Cambodian troops are seeking suitable locations after having to pull back from the Thai border, as many areas are now under Thai control.

He acknowledged that, in some areas, Cambodian forces have moved closer, but not beyond the assumed boundary or operational line adhered to by Thailand.

“This is not a cause for concern,” he said.

The Second Army Region’s operations, including surveillance, patrols, area inspections and reinforcement of defensive positions, have continued in preparation for “unexpected incidents.”

Maj Gen Winthai stressed that both countries must adhere to the agreement signed following the ceasefire.

Thailand has strictly complied with the ceasefire conditions, while Cambodia has engaged in some actions, as seen in news reports, such as provocations, moving closer to Thai operational bases and verbal confrontations or disciplinary issues, which have resulted in some ordnance landing on the Thai side.

Referring to Lt Gen Teeranan’s statement that a third round of clashes is possible, Winthai said Cambodian troop movements are ongoing and certain signals can be observed, but they are not at a worrying level.

While the situation could change in the future, it is unlikely to happen at this time.

On reports of Cambodian weapons stockpiling, he said Thailand has already made preparations.

As for Cambodia’s general election next year and the possibility of creating tensions to gain political advantage, he said it is possible, but any clear use of force would depend on additional factors.