BANGKOK — The Royal Thai Army has defended its actions along the Thai-Cambodian border after Phnom Penh lodged a protest over the construction of a Buddha statue, the installation of Thai flags, and the placement of barbed wire in the area.
Army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree said on Tuesday that all activities were carried out within Thai sovereign territory and under Thai control, stressing they were intended to boost morale among troops and local residents.
He said the installations were conducted in line with Thai laws and regulations, and were meant as a spiritual anchor and morale support for personnel operating along the border.
Cambodia had earlier submitted a formal protest claiming that Thailand’s activities in the border area included construction works, flag installations and barbed wire placement that could affect border stability.
Winthai rejected the claims, saying the barbed wire in the Chong Bok area was a security measure within Thai territory aimed at protecting personnel, reducing the risk of confrontation, and preventing misunderstandings between forces on both sides.
He added that the measures were consistent with efforts to de-escalate tensions and maintain stability along the frontier.
The Thai Army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding sovereignty and ensuring the safety of communities along the border, while adhering strictly to the joint ceasefire statement signed by Thailand and Cambodia on 27 December 2025, and continuing to use bilateral mechanisms to manage border issues.