On February 19, the Royal Thai Army rejected the statements of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and affirmed that Thailand is acting to protect sovereignty in accordance with international law.
Army spokesman, Major General Winthai Suvaree, gave a response related to the interview that Prime Minister Hun Manet gave to the press on February 17, referring to the Thai army and the ceasefire agreement according to the Joint Statement signed by the two sides at the third special meeting of the Joint Border Committee (GBC) on December 27, 2025.
Prime Minister Hun Manet was quoted as saying that the Thai military is occupying Cambodian territory and has installed transportation containers and barbed wire fences, causing about 80,000 people to be unable to return home.
In response, Major General Winthai said that the mentioned area was recognized as Thai territory, affirming that the Bangkok government also allowed Cambodians to take refuge when recent border conflicts broke out. However, after the fighting ended, some Cambodian civilians and soldiers did not return.
Mr. Winthai also accused the communities of then expanding into Thai sovereign territory despite Bangkok's repeated protests through bilateral mechanisms.
Regarding allegations of territorial occupation and installation of containers and barbed wire fences, the military said that Thailand has strictly complied with the ceasefire clauses in the Joint Statement, especially the regulations requiring the two sides to maintain the status quo of their military positions and not to increase additional forces.
Major General Winthai said Thai forces are operating in the area to repel attacks and protect soldiers and civilians, describing this as an act of self-defense under international law, not a violation of the sovereignty of any country. Maintaining positions after the ceasefire is legal according to the agreement signed by the two governments, he added.
Regarding Cambodia's proposal to call on the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Border Boundary Commission (JBC) to resume efforts to resolve border disputes, Major General Winthai said Thailand, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has expressed its willingness to participate in all bilateral mechanisms when conditions permit.
These conditions include cooling down military tensions, clearing bombs and mines along the border, and the readiness of Thailand's new government - which is in the process of formation.
The Thai military reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful dialogue, and is ready for all scenarios to protect national sovereignty and public safety. The agency called on Cambodia to respect and strictly adhere to the Joint Statement to ensure a sustainable and long-term stable solution along the border.
