Thailand says border operations comply with international law and aim to protect civilians
Thailand’s Joint Press Center insists recent military actions on the Cambodian border are legitimate self-defence, limited in scope and focused on protecting civilians and preventing escalation.
The Joint Press Center on the Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation has reiterated that Thailand’s recent military operations are being conducted in line with international law, with a focus on protecting civilians, controlling the situation and preserving peace.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Air Chief Marshal Prapas Sornchaidee, Director of the Joint Press Center, said the actions taken by the Thai side along the border were for legitimate self-defence under the principles of international law. He stressed that Thailand’s primary objectives are safeguarding lives and national security, with no intention of escalating the conflict or threatening civilians.
Citing assessments by media and foreign security experts, Prapas said the current tensions stem from military build-up in the area, which has affected the safety of Thai citizens and critical infrastructure. Thailand, he said, was therefore compelled to implement countermeasures that are limited in scope, target-specific, and use only the minimum force necessary to neutralise the threat.
He added that operations by the Royal Thai Armed Forces strictly follow the universal principles of necessity, proportionality and distinction between military and civilian targets. Thailand remains committed to international humanitarian law and does not target civilians or humanitarian infrastructure.
Prapas emphasised that Thailand’s security posture is defensive, intended for situation control, not aggression, and aimed at preventing escalation and paving the way for long-term de-escalation of tensions.
“Thailand continues to act in self-defence while exercising maximum restraint,” he said, adding that the pursuit of peace must go hand in hand with the safety and security of all people.
