Aranyaprathet: “Natthapol,” Deputy Minister of Defense, has revealed a timeline aimed at preventing issues along the Thai-Cambodian border, thereby reducing confrontations and clashes. Cambodia has requested a low-profile approach, acknowledging that the border was temporarily closed to limit the number of people entering. He explained that martial law already exists along the border, but emphasized using the resolutions of the National Security Council (NSC) and the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).
According to Thai News Agency, Gen. Nattapol Nakphanit, Deputy Minister of Defense, addressed the situation at the Thai-Cambodian border following a military change on both sides. From May 28 to June 5, 2025, the Prime Minister instructed Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, to meet with Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister in Aranyaprathet, confirming that they did not cross into Cambodia. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham’s proposal highlighted two key issues: the risk of armed confrontations at Chong Bok, Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, and the potential for Cambodia to take sovereignty disputes to the International Court of Justice. However, Thailand prefers using the JBC process and has asked both nations to adjust their forces to prevent confrontations.
On June 6, the Prime Minister directed Mr. Phumtham to organize an NSC meeting to determine the next steps, with the Prime Minister in attendance. The military and the NSC proposed closing some border crossings, which sparked public discourse. However, the NSC emphasized the need for increased control measures due to the Cambodian military’s movement near the border, which threatened to cause incidents impacting local residents. Although border crossing measures weren’t yet implemented, the meeting outlined a four-step approach.
The first step involves restricting the movement of people, including border trade, labor, education, healthcare, and humanitarian groups, while deeming non-essential groups like tourists and gamblers unnecessary for entry. The second step reduces opening hours at the Poipet checkpoint from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The third step considers closing some border crossings if necessary. The fourth step involves closing routes from Ubon Ratchathani, Buriram, Sisaket, Surin, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat provinces.
Gen. Nattapol stated that the meeting approved all four steps, followed by consultations with relevant agencies. On June 6, the Cambodian Ministry of Defense announced it wouldn’t withdraw its troops as proposed by Thailand. The NSC saw no progress, prompting the Prime Minister to proceed with the approved measures. The army requested simultaneous upgrades to the first and second levels, leading to restrictions on border crossings.
Some media outlets incorrectly reported martial law in Chanthaburi Province, whereas it has been declared in all border districts nationwide. The NSC believes current circumstances don’t warrant its use, relying instead on NSC resolutions.
On June 7, the first and second stage control measures were implemented without closing border crossings, except for natural passages. On June 8, Cambodia contacted Thailand through the Thai Army Commander, agreeing to adjust forces in the conflict area discreetly. Cambodia also suggested both governments encourage the public, media, academics, and military to reduce information that could incite animosity between the nations. At 10:00 a.m., the unit commander coordinated with the Suranaree forces to inspect the area for force adjustments. Despite no change in the overall situation, the confrontation point had moved, showing improvement.
Gen. Nattapol noted that any escalation assessment would depend on Cambodia’s stance, with Thailand prioritizing a peaceful approach using the JBC mechanism. The government is concerned about the impact on public safety, emphasizing that the measures are not intended as pressure but rather a precaution given the ongoing deployment of forces on both sides.