Bangkok: The Second Army Region Commander has disclosed that Cambodia is not planning to withdraw heavy weapons from the border area, and negotiations will be halted if provocations continue. The Commander expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for authorizing efforts to address border issues. He noted that instead of reducing its military presence, Cambodia is escalating its forces, and any further provocations, including drone incursions and mine planting, will lead to a cessation of talks.
According to Thai News Agency, the First Army Region is set to engage in discussions with the Royal Thai Army this week, although a date for resolving the Chanthaburi and Trat border disputes remains undecided. Reporters have highlighted the progress following the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee (GBC) meeting on September 10, 2015, which called for the withdrawal of heavy weapons and mass destruction equipment from the border area. The GBC and RBC secretariats are expected to meet within three weeks to devise an action plan for troop movement, with an observer team participating.
Lt. Gen. Boonsin Phadklang, Commander of the Second Army Region, provided updates on the Thai-Cambodian Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting's efforts to plan the withdrawal of heavy weapons. He confirmed that Cambodia has yet to act on this plan and is increasing its military presence instead. The implementation of the agreed terms remains uncertain, with the RBC meeting not yet scheduled, though it is anticipated in early October.
Lt. Gen. Boonsin emphasized that the arms withdrawal plan is theoretically set to proceed, though he doubts Cambodia's commitment to it. He warned that further provocations, such as drone flights into Thai territory and regular planting of anti-personnel mines, would lead to a halt in discussions. He also expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul for entrusting the military with the authority to manage border issues.
Simultaneously, the First Army Region Commander, Lt. Gen. Amorn Bunsuya, is organizing a special RBC meeting between the First Army Region and the 5th Military Region, scheduled for September 24-26, 2025, in Poipet, Cambodia. The meeting aims to address demining strategies and the organization of the border area in Sa Kaeo Province.
The Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defense Command (CDCDC) had previously delayed the RBC meeting due to issues related to the Chanthaburi-Trat border checkpoint relaxation. The Thai-Cambodian Border Situation Administration Task Force (TCSA) had directed a survey to develop a plan by September 30, 2015, but this has yet to be completed.