NNT- National News Bureau of Thailand

26/07/2025

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26/07/2025

Global media and experts are expressing understanding for Thailand's limited F-16 strikes, which targeted military sites after Cambodia repeatedly shelled Thai civilian populations, causing numerous casualties.

Government Spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub, representing the Ad Hoc Centre for Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation, stated that the center’s information unit has summarized these views. He confirmed that Thailand's F-16 response earlier this week was consistent with the right to self-defense under the United Nations Charter. This followed Cambodia’s initiation of hostilities with heavy weapons and BM-21 multiple rocket launchers against Thai homes and civilian areas.

Reports highlight that the F-16's high-precision capabilities reduce risks to civilian zones, in contrast to Cambodia's use of heavy artillery, which was deployed indiscriminately.

Singapore's CNA recently interviewed a security scholar from the National Defense University in Washington, D.C. The academic affirmed that the Royal Thai Armed Forces' retaliation was precise and confined to the Cambodian military targets that were the source of the attacks, avoiding civilian areas and demonstrating appropriate tactical use in a border conflict. The Royal Thai Air Force specifically used F-16s with precision-guided munitions to attack Cambodian rocket launch sites and military camps.

Jirayu added that public opinion from various nations, alongside leading international academics and influencers, similarly analyzed that Thailand acted in response to Cambodia's prior violation of sovereignty and attacks on civilians, including a hospital.

The spokesperson expressed gratitude to Thai citizens, civilians from friendly nations, influencers, and academics for sharing factual information online, demonstrating to the world that while Thailand is a peace-loving nation, it is not afraid to defend itself.

#ชายแดนไทยกัมพูชา #กองทัพอากาศ #ความมั่นคง

26/07/2025

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a press briefing today (July 26) to address the escalating conflict along the Thai–Cambodian border. Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa outlined recent developments and detailed the government’s diplomatic response to attacks by Cambodian forces.

According to the Ministry, the most severe incident occurred on the morning of July 24, when Cambodian forces launched strikes on non-military targets, including a hospital, schools, a petrol station, and convenience stores. These attacks caused multiple civilian casualties, including fatalities and injuries. Among the victims was an eight-year-old child. The Thai government described the assaults as inhumane, indiscriminate, and violations of both Thai sovereignty and international law, including the UN Charter and the Geneva Conventions.

In response, Thailand has downgraded diplomatic relations with Cambodia. The Thai Ambassador has been recalled from Phnom Penh, and Cambodia has been asked to do the same. Thailand is demanding that Cambodia cease hostilities, take full responsibility for the casualties, and respect Thailand’s territorial integrity. This comes after Thai authorities confirmed that Cambodian forces had laid new landmines inside Thai territory, seriously injuring two Thai soldiers. The act was identified as a breach of the Ottawa Convention.

While attending the UN High-Level Political Forum in New York, Foreign Minister Maris met with global leaders and representatives to present Thailand’s case. These meetings included discussions with the UN Secretary-General, the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Panama, and Japan, and Russia’s Special Representative for International Organizations. Thailand’s representatives stressed the country’s adherence to peaceful resolution through existing bilateral mechanisms and presented evidence of Cambodia’s repeated violations of international law and its use of banned munitions.

Thailand’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations submitted a formal letter to the current Security Council President, outlining the events and requesting that the letter be distributed to all Council members. A closed-door consultation was held on July 26, attended by all 15 Council members along with representatives from Thailand and Cambodia. No resolution was adopted, but Council members called for restraint, de-escalation, and peaceful negotiations. ASEAN’s role in facilitating dialogue was also recognized.

Thailand rejected Cambodia’s claim that Thai military operations caused damage to the Phra Viharn Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Officials clarified that the clashes occurred over two kilometers away from the temple and that any such allegation is entirely without merit.

Thailand reiterated its willingness to resolve the conflict through peaceful means and international cooperation while urging Cambodia to halt all unlawful actions and return to negotiations in good faith. Foreign Minister Maris expressed full support for civilians in affected areas and the personnel deployed to protect national sovereignty.

The Ministry’s official statement condemning the attacks on civilian targets can be read at: https://www.mfa.go.th/en/content/statement-condemning-attacks-on-civilian-targets

26/07/2025

Prime Minister and Culture Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra earlier today stated that Cambodia has committed a "severe war crime" by initiating the border conflict. She also suggested the aggression may be linked to her successful crackdown on call center scam gangs.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Thai government's stance that Cambodia fired first on July 24th, violating international law and humanitarian principles. She described Cambodia's actions as inhumane, citing their use of artillery on civilian communities, which resulted in casualties, including children. She confirmed that Thailand's use of F-16 fighter jets was a necessary and targeted response to these attacks. She pointed to foreign media observations that Cambodian students were kept home from school on the day of the attack, suggesting premeditation on Cambodia's part.

Paetongtarn then connected the conflict to her recent effective crackdown on call center scams along the borders with Laos and Myanmar. She recounted that Cambodia had previously expressed anger at being excluded from the trilateral anti-scam cooperation. She questioned whether the crackdown had interfered with powerful interests, which may have led to the current situation. She dismissed narratives that the conflict was a feud between political families, insisting any government would have had to take on the scam operations.

The Prime Minister stressed that Thailand's government and military will not back down and will do their utmost to protect national sovereignty. She noted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already presented clear evidence to the international community of Cambodia's violations. These include the use of newly planted landmines, which she called a grave breach of humanitarian principles.

In her capacity as Minister of Culture, she expressed gratitude to Their Majesties the King and Queen for placing all victims under Royal Patronage. Her ministry will manage the royally-sponsored funerals and lead other support missions, including mental health recovery and assessing damage to cultural sites. Despite being suspended as Prime Minister, she confirmed she is following the situation closely and will soon visit the affected border provinces.

26/07/2025

The Royal Thai Army’s Burapha Task Force has successfully secured four border areas in Sa Kaeo province, removing Cambodian troops and evacuating thousands of residents to safety.

According to a summary from the First Army Area Operations Center on July 26th, the Burapha Task Force implemented its “Chakrapong Phuwanat 681” plan. The operation aimed to push Cambodian forces out of Thai sovereign territory and areas claimed under the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding, commonly referred to as “MOU43.”

The mission successfully cleared Cambodian forces from four specific locations along the border in Sa Kaeo. These included two areas in Ta Phraya district and two in Khok Sung district. Thai military personnel are now stationed along the border to safeguard national sovereignty and protect the lives and property of Thai citizens.

In coordination with provincial authorities, the military has assisted in evacuating 4,076 civilians to 19 temporary shelters. The 19th Military Circle has established a royal kitchen in the Sa Kaeo municipal area to provide meals for the evacuees. Officials report that there is no harm or damage to the public in the area.

Authorities have advised the public to refrain from sharing photos or videos of military movements to prevent the spread of misinformation. Citizens are also urged to be cautious of fake news and to verify information only from official sources.

#กองกำลังบูรพา #ชายแดนไทยกัมพูชา #สระแก้ว

26/07/2025

On 25 July 2025 at the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, issued a statement on behalf of the ministry condemning the deliberate attacks on Thai civilians along the Thai–Cambodian border. These acts represent serious violations of international humanitarian law and have severely impacted vulnerable groups, social welfare, and human security.

26/07/2025

The government has approved emergency financial assistance for individuals and families affected by the ongoing conflict along the Thai–Cambodian border. The decision was made during the second meeting of the Emergency Relief Fund Committee for 2025, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga on July 25.

Support will be allocated based on the severity of injury or loss. Families of the deceased will receive 1,000,000 baht per case. Individuals who are permanently disabled or severely impaired will receive 700,000 baht. Those with severe injuries will receive 200,000 baht, while individuals with moderate and minor injuries will be eligible for 100,000 and 50,000 baht, respectively. Applications must include medical and police reports, personal identification, and a certified declaration of the affected area.

Housing-related compensation has also been approved. Up to 230,000 baht will be provided for homes destroyed beyond 70 percent. Heavily damaged homes (30–70 percent) may receive up to 70,000 baht, while lightly damaged homes (under 30 percent) are eligible for up to 15,000 baht. An additional 5,000 baht will be offered to households with severely or completely damaged homes to help replace essential goods. Required documents include a police report, a damage assessment certified by the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, and identification materials.

Those wishing to donate can do so through “The Emergency Relief Fund for Disaster Victims, Office of the Prime Minister,” at Krung Thai Bank, Government House Branch. The account number is 067-0-06895-0. Donations are eligible for a tax deduction.

For inquiries, contact the Public Relations Division, Office of the Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister, at 02-283-4319 or 02-283-4324.

26/07/2025

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) is coordinating emergency operations in response to the impact of Tropical Storm Wipha, which triggered flash floods, runoff, and riverbank overflows across eight northern provinces. Although the storm has weakened into a low-pressure system, flood conditions remain in Nan, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Lampang, and Phrae. According to the DDPM’s report on the morning of July 26, more than 115,000 people in 1,348 villages across 50 districts have been affected, with one person still reported missing.

Emergency alerts were issued via the Cell Broadcast system to warn riverside communities in Wang Chin district in Phrae, as well as Si Samrong and capital districts in Sukhothai. Residents were instructed to move belongings to higher ground and evacuate to shelters if necessary. Provincial officials have been ordered to accelerate drainage efforts, establish temporary shelters, and provide medical and public health services.

Since July 20, DDPM has sent 47 cell broadcast alerts, including 38 for flooding and 9 for landslides. The Yom River has overflowed in parts of Phrae and Sukhothai, prompting urgent warnings in several tambons. Provinces along the Mekong River are also preparing for possible flooding as water levels continue to rise.

Relief efforts are ongoing, with more than 18,000 survival kits distributed. Emergency crews are assisting with evacuations, delivering hot meals from Royal Kitchens, and restoring road access with detour signs in place. Equipment and teams have been deployed from central and regional offices, with deputy directors managing field operations in severely affected areas.

As water levels begin to recede in some districts, local authorities have been instructed to start cleanup, repair public utilities, and assess damages in accordance with national procedures. Provinces along the Mekong are on alert to strengthen flood defenses and prepare emergency shelters and response teams should conditions worsen.

26/07/2025

26/07/2025

The UN Security Council has urged Thailand and Cambodia to exercise restraint after Thailand's Foreign Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, reported that Cambodia initiated the July 24th border attack on civilians.

Maris provided this update following his return from the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2025 in New York. He stated he used the opportunity to inform UN officials and various countries that Cambodia attacked first, targeting non-military locations, including a hospital, a gas station, and a convenience store, which resulted in civilian casualties, including an eight-year-old child. He noted Cambodia’s use of anti-personnel mines is a violation of international principles, Thai sovereignty, UN law, and human dignity. The Ministry has since condemned Cambodia and downgraded diplomatic relations.

Maris called for Cambodia to take responsibility for its actions, particularly the attacks on civilians, and to immediately cease violating Thai sovereignty. He also confirmed Thailand has evidence of newly laid Cambodian landmines on Thai territory, which caused a Thai soldier to suffer a permanent injury.

During the forum, Minister Maris met with the UN Secretary-General and the foreign ministers of Pakistan and Panama, who are the current and upcoming presidents of the UN Security Council, as well as representatives from Japan and Russia. He reiterated Thailand’s commitment to peaceful, bilateral solutions while highlighting Cambodia’s repeated violations of the Ottawa Convention through its use of new landmines.

Following a private session of the UNSC meeting attended by both nations, it was reported that the council advised both parties to de-escalate and engage in neighborly negotiations. The council characterized the situation as a bilateral conflict, not a threat to international peace, and did not issue any formal documents.

Regarding Malaysia's offer to mediate, Minister Maris expressed gratitude but stated Cambodia must first demonstrate sincerity by halting attacks on civilians. He also refuted Cambodia’s claims that Thai forces damaged the Preah Vihear Temple, noting the conflict zone was two kilometers away.

The ministry has been instructed to file formal protests through all possible channels, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the UN Human Rights Council, regarding violations of the Geneva Conventions. The minister has also ordered a review into pursuing a case with the International Criminal Court for war crimes.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura added that Cambodia's indiscriminate attacks on civilian facilities, especially medical ones, are a grave violation of the 1949 Geneva Conventions. Thailand will send a formal letter to the ICRC president condemning these acts.

#ชายแดนไทยกัมพูชา #คณะมนตรีความมั่นคงแห่งสหประชาชาติ

26/07/2025

Thailand’s 2nd Army Region has issued a public alert regarding the potential threat posed by the long-range PHL-03 missile system, urging citizens to exercise vigilance.

In a notice on its official page, the military identified the PHL-03 as a multiple-launch missile system with a range of up to 130 kilometers, capable of targeting and destroying strategic locations and military installations. The army confirmed it has contingency plans to protect rear areas and possesses the means to counter this type of weapon.

To prevent loss of civilian life and property, the army advises the public to be cautious regarding this potential threat. Citizens are urged not to panic but to closely monitor official announcements from the authorities. The public is advised to seek shelter in a safe place if residing near high-risk or critical areas. It is also recommended to maintain a safe distance from potential targets and to avoid approaching areas where an attack might occur after a warning has been issued. Citizens should strictly follow all official instructions if a disaster or emergency is declared.

#กองทัพภาคที่2 #ความมั่นคง #ขีปนาวุธ

26/07/2025

The Royal Thai Army has clarified its policy on cluster munitions, stating they may be considered for use against military targets to enhance operational capabilities.

In a statement posted on its official page, the Royal Thai Army Public Relations Center addressed Cambodian claims regarding the use of cluster munitions. Army Spokesperson Major General Winthai Suvaree explained that the weapons would only be considered as necessary to improve effectiveness against military targets.

The statement described the munitions as having no long-term residual effects on civilians and noted they are not anti-personnel landmines. It also clarified that Thailand is not a signatory to the Convention on Cluster Munitions and is therefore not bound by its prohibitions, similar to the United States and Russia.

The army affirmed that any potential use of these weapons would strictly adhere to the principle of proportionality and would be directed exclusively at military targets.

#กองทัพบก #สถานการณ์ชายแดน #หลักการสู้รบ