Defence minister calls Tea Seiha over undisciplined Cambodian troops

2026-02-23 - 06:23

BANGKOK — Defence Minister Gen. Natthaphon Narkphanit said he has raised concerns with his Cambodian counterpart over forest fires along the Thai-Cambodian border, warning that undisciplined actions by Cambodian troops could escalate tensions. Speaking on 23 February 2026 at the Royal Thai Air Force headquarters, Natthaphon said he had directly contacted Cambodian Defence Minister Gen. Tea Seiha to complain about what he described as Cambodian soldiers burning forest areas along the border. He said Thailand had previously expressed concern about landmines and was now troubled by the burning of forest near the frontier, which could spread into Thai territory and lead to clashes. If Cambodia genuinely wanted to resolve issues peacefully, this should not be the method, he said, adding that he had reiterated the warning after the fires continued. Natthaphon also accused Cambodian soldiers of spreading false information, including a recent claim that Thai troops had shot and wounded a Cambodian soldier. He said available evidence did not support that allegation and that Thailand had already lodged a protest. On border security, he said Thailand must maintain troop deployments in areas it currently controls, citing concerns that some Cambodian troops lack discipline and could encroach on Thai territory. However, he acknowledged that sustaining such deployments indefinitely would be costly. He proposed constructing permanent fencing along parts of the 798-kilometre border, particularly in high-traffic areas such as Ban Khlong Luek in Sa Kaeo and Thmor Da in Trat. The plan could include electronic fencing and CCTV systems in selected areas. Other sections of the border, including Phu Makuea in Si Sa Ket and Chong An Ma and Chong Bok in Ubon Ratchathani, could be developed into tourist sites or memorial areas to ensure regular civilian presence and monitoring, he said. He also suggested allocating land for veterans to establish self-defence border villages, with support from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. If all measures are implemented, troop levels could eventually be reduced.