The Thai military affirms that border operations are "self-defense" in accordance with international law.
The National Security Council (NSC) reiterated its commitment to addressing the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border, prioritizing the protection of civilian lives and national security. Responses will only be carried out with necessary force, strictly adhering to international principles such as necessity, proportionality, and the differentiation of military targets. The NSC emphasized that security readiness is maintained to "control the situation" and prevent tensions from escalating in the long term.
On December 13, 2025, at 9:00 AM, the Joint Border Situation Center of Thailand-Cambodia (JBSC), through Air Chief Marshal Praphas Sonjaidee, Director of the JBSC, informed the international community that all actions of the Thai armed forces “were for legitimate self-defense under international law” and had a clear primary objective: to protect the lives of citizens and ensure national security. The Thai side “did not intend to escalate the conflict or threaten Cambodian civilians.”
The Thai side's decision to take action followed an assessment of the situation in the border area, which found a significant "increase in Cambodian military capabilities." Such movements directly impact the safety of the Thai people and threaten critical national infrastructure located in the border region.
Therefore, Thailand deems it necessary to “take limited, restricted, and forceful countermeasures” to end the threat to Thai civilians and government property.
Air Chief Marshal Praphas confirmed that all operations of the Thai armed forces are strictly in accordance with international principles, namely:
- The principle of necessity: The use of force shall be limited to what is necessary to achieve the objective of self-defense.
- The principle of proportionality: The response must be proportionate to the threat received.
- The principle of distinguishing between military and civilian targets (Distinction): The goals are clearly defined.
The National Security Council (NSC) reiterated that the Thai military adheres to international humanitarian law and will never target civilians or humanitarian infrastructure.
Focus on controlling the situation, not on aggression.
The Director of the National Security Council confirmed that "Thailand's security readiness and capabilities are for prevention and control of the situation, not for aggression," with the goal of preventing the situation in the border areas from escalating and becoming long-term tensions.
Thailand remains firmly committed to the path of peace, but will do everything possible to protect the safety and security of its people.
Air Chief Marshal Praphas Sonjaidee concluded, “Thailand acts in self-defense and exercises restraint. Peace must go hand in hand with the safety and security of the people,” emphasizing the necessity of maintaining a balance between safeguarding sovereignty and adhering to universal principles.
Keep up with the situation on the Thai-Cambodian border
