Mr. Phanpakdee Phatthanakun, RTAF Commander, expressed confidence that the air force is fully ready to deploy fighter jets within 5 minutes if any military confrontation occurs along the Thai - Cambodian border.
The announcement came amid rising tensions following Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet's statements on rewarding Cambodian soldiers if they shoot down Thai fighter jets.
Speaking at parliament, Mr. Phanpakdee said the National Defense Council had approved a contingency plan for border situations. He emphasized that Thailand's preparation is a standard ritual, with the sole purpose of protecting national sovereignty, not inciting or escalating conflicts.
When asked about Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet's statement, Phanpakdee lowered the threat.
Our operations will not reach that level of escalation, he said. "Our task is to protect our sovereignty. There is no reason to worry. Our focus is still on maintaining the highest level of readiness to protect the country".
The head of the air force called on everyone to put their trust in the armed forces. "The Royal Thai Air Force, along with other military forces, maintain its readiness and have full confidence in our defensive responsibility," he added.
Meanwhile, the Border Management Center (CBAM) confirmed that the current security situation along the Thailand - Cambodia border remains stable, with no significant changes.
CBAM emphasized the consistent unity and coordination between Thai agencies and pointed out that measures are being considered to facilitate cross-border transportation after goods are damaged due to logistical delays.
Temporary exemptions for cross-border workers may be granted before the upcoming harvest.
Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maratee Nalita Andamo, along with Rear Admiral Surasak Khongsiri, Deputy Spokesperson of the Thai Royal Armed Forces Command, said that reports from security agencies and local authorities responsible for border checkpoints have confirmed that the overall situation is still in order.
Exceptions are still granted to patients needing treatment in Thailand, students and other individuals with daily essential needs needing to cross the border.
In another development, on June 28, thousands of protests gathered at the Victory Monument in Bangkok to demand Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's resignation over a leaked phone call between her and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
A large number of the protests were over 50 years old and former members of previous protests against the government of Paetongtarn's father, Thaksin, and her aunt, Yingluck.
