Defence Ministry Readies Anti-Drone System Against Cambodian Incursions

On August 17 at the Athenee Hotel on Wireless Road, Defence Ministry spokesman Pol. Lt. Col. Surasan Kongsiri addressed reports of Cambodian citizens preparing to return home to Nong Chan in Sarabury province, stating the matter required verification before confirmation. He affirmed that bilateral mechanisms exist to resolve the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute, noting that all countries have voiced support for direct Thai-Cambodian dialogue without foreign interference. The ministry emphasized that the Joint Border Committee and the General Border Committee mechanism stand ready, pending bilateral talks. Regarding Cambodian drone operations along the border, Kongsiri stated that Thailand uses formal protest procedures through border forces and maintains operational anti-drone systems with private sector support, though technical details were withheld. He assured the public that Thailand has anti-drone countermeasures in place and conducts continuous surveillance of Cambodian drone activities. Addressing the stalled bilateral negotiation process and JBC meetings, Kongsiri noted that secretariat-level coordination continues but both sides must comply with conditions set in the Joint Statement signed on December 27, 2024. Deputy Prime Minister Siwarak Puangkitgatuk indicated that Cambodia has not demonstrated readiness and continues provocations, citing Cambodia's use of drones and anti-drone systems as violations of the Joint Statement. He stressed that continued violations undermine the credibility of negotiations. When asked whether the unfavorable negotiating atmosphere would affect border conditions, Kongsiri confirmed that unit-level discussions continue between border forces, with some relationships recovering at the Regional Border Committee level, such as between the Buriram and Surin commands. He maintained that all matters should ultimately be resolved through negotiation.