Army Spokesperson: “Chong Arn Ma lies within Thailand’s military operational line – Cambodia’s recent diplomatic visit should not be used to draw conclusions amid ceasefire agreement”

Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, addressed the recent visit by Cambodian officials who brought international military attachés to the Chong Arn Ma area in Ubon Ratchathani Province on July 30, 2025. This area is one where both Thailand and Cambodia claim sovereignty. The Cambodian side has constructed permanent structures there, which Thailand has formally protested multiple times. This does not imply that Thai forces have been neglecting their responsibilities.

He affirmed that Thailand has done its best to maintain order. In many disputed areas, Cambodia has repeatedly violated agreements, often deploying civilian communities in place of military units to bypass formal military engagement. Therefore, it is important to remain vigilant and recognize such tactics. Moving forward, Thailand will speak frankly about what has transpired in the past that led to the current clashes. He reiterated that the area lies within Thailand’s military operational boundary.

Maj. Gen. Winthai further noted that the recent visit by military attachés and foreign media should not be taken as a definitive judgment on sovereignty or control, as there is a ceasefire agreement currently in effect. The 2000 MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) does not imply unrestricted access; any actions must follow mutually agreed protocols. At critical border locations, each side maintains a team of 5 to 7 officers, but no activities should violate prior agreements, such as the illegal trench-digging previously carried out by Cambodia.

He concluded that incursions or visits may occur occasionally, and that it's impractical for tensions to be high at all times due to the shared and overlapping border.