Thai Navy pushes Cambodian troops out of border area
The Thai Navy is conducting an operation to drive Cambodian troops out of disputed areas on the border in Trat province. According to The Public, citing Nationthailand, Thai intelligence has recorded the return of Cambodian units and the strengthening of fortifications after three structures on Thai territory had previously been dismantled.
Navy spokesman Parat Rattanachaiwan said that the neighbouring side had deployed special forces snipers and multiple launch rocket systems, as well as digging trenches and installing heavy weapons.
Cambodian forces are using drones to monitor Thai positions, which Bangkok calls an act of intimidation and a direct threat to sovereignty.
The Thai side stressed that the operation is being carried out to protect the population and in accordance with international law on self-defence, observing the principles of necessity and proportionality to avoid further escalation. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ruled out negotiations with Cambodia to end the confrontation.
At the same time, ground forces launched a separate operation in Sakhon Nakhon province, where Cambodian settlements and military equipment have long been under the de facto control of the neighbouring country. The Thai government believes that the expansion of these settlements is accompanied by the seizure of sovereign territory and has repeatedly demanded their relocation.
The day before, Thailand accused Cambodia of artillery shelling and launched air strikes on its positions near the border.
