The Royal Thai Navy Affirms That the Placement of Containers Is for Defensive Purposes and in Line with Thailand–Cambodia Joint Statement
Rear Admiral Paraj Ratanajaipan, Spokesperson of the Royal Thai Navy, issued a clarification regarding the visit to the Thai-Cambodian border organized by the Cambodian side for diplomatic corps and representatives of international organizations, and subsequent news reports suggesting that Thailand’s actions constituted a violation of Cambodian sovereignty. The Office of the Royal Thai Navy Spokesperson wishes to clarify that Thailand’s measures, including the installation of containers and reinforcement with barbed wire in the area concerned, were necessitated by provocations and the dismantling of existing barriers by ill-intentioned individuals. These actions posed risks to the safety of Thai personnel stationed in the area. Accordingly, it became necessary to implement additional control measures under the principle of self-defense in order to prevent further provocations and reduce the likelihood of confrontation between the two sides, which could otherwise lead to unnecessary escalation.
Furthermore, the placement of containers has been carried out only where necessary and in limited locations, as has the installation of barbed wire in certain sections. These measures remain fully consistent with the existing troop deployment line mutually agreed upon by both sides, in accordance with Article 2 of the Joint Statement dated 27 December 2025, which clearly states both side are “to maintain current deployment troop without further movement”.
The Royal Thai Navy reaffirms that these actions are not intended to infringe upon the sovereignty of the neighboring country. Rather, they are undertaken within the framework of the Joint Statement and the principle of self-defense, with the objective of maintaining peace and order along the border, ensuring stability in the area, and preventing provocations by ill-intentioned individuals.
Office of the Royal Thai Navy Spokesperson 29 March 2026