Thailand demands conditions from Cambodia as border clashes escalate

THAILAND has set out three conditions that Cambodia must meet before any ceasefire can be considered, as clashes along the border persist and tensions in the region escalate.

Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, spokesperson for the Thai Ministry of Defence, held a briefing on Tuesday at the Joint Press Centre for the Thai-Cambodia border situation.

He outlined that Thailand expects Cambodia to take the first step by declaring a ceasefire, that any truce must be genuine and sustained rather than temporary, and that Cambodia must fully cooperate in clearing landmines along the border.

“The ceasefire must be genuine and sustained, not a temporary halt followed by renewed violence,” Surasant emphasised, noting that Cambodia’s response has yet to be confirmed.

Despite ongoing clashes throughout the day, the Thai authorities assured the public that progress was being made and that Thai forces would continue to defend the border and push back Cambodian advances. Surasant also addressed reports from Cambodian sources claiming that Thai soldiers had been captured, dismissing these as false and manipulated through AI-generated images.

He confirmed that Thai forces had successfully taken control of the Ta Kwai Temple in Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin province, where the Thai flag has now been planted.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Napassakorn Tipso, assistant spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy, added that the curfew in Trat Province had been lifted, with residents now able to resume normal daily activities.

The situation escalated further on Wednesday morning when Thai military jets reportedly conducted airstrikes on Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province.

Around 6.25 am, F-16 fighter jets were used to target areas near Kampung Chok Chey under Cambodia’s 5th Military Region. While official reports of casualties or damage have not yet been confirmed, tensions along the border remain high.

The recent developments form part of an ongoing escalation in military activity along the Thailand-Cambodia border, which has included both ground and aerial operations, raising concerns over the potential for further regional instability. - December 17, 2025