Thailand Denies Invading Cambodia, Rejects Border Claims
Thailand's military denied invading Cambodia or seizing property, stating that current troop deployments follow a December 2024 bilateral agreement to maintain positions without advancing. The deputy air force commander said border disputes
On August 19, Air Vice Marshal Praphas Sonjaidee, Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force and director of the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Information Centre, responded to claims made by a Hengfang Hotel owner who brought Chinese embassy officials to the area demanding Thailand return all property to Chinese investors in Cambodia. Sonjaidee said he wanted to clarify that investors, the Chinese government, and border facts are three separate issues that should not be conflated. While individuals have the right to petition their embassy for assistance, personal claims that Thailand has invaded or stolen property do not make those claims factual, he said.
Sonjaidee emphasized that current Thai military deployment follows a joint statement issued on December 27, 2024, requiring both sides to maintain their positions along an agreed troop deployment line without advancing. Thai forces are upholding this agreement, not engaging in invasion or territorial seizure as some have alleged. He stressed that border disputes must be resolved through bilateral mechanisms using documents, coordinates, and evidence—not through interviews, videos, or social media posts.
Property disputes must be separated from military deployment matters and resolved through proper legal channels and interstate processes, Sonjaidee added. He cautioned against assuming that Chinese diplomatic officials visiting the area means the Chinese government endorses the investor's allegations. Thailand values its relationship with China and believes China understands that disputes between countries must be resolved through facts and proper mechanisms, not accusations. "Investors have the right to make claims, but no one has the right to turn allegations into fact or change borders through social media," Sonjaidee said. "Thailand is not advancing, we are maintaining our positions under agreement, and we will not abandon our duty to protect Thai sovereignty," he concluded, adding that Thailand is ready to present factual evidence if false claims of invasion or theft are spread.
