Major General Winthai Suvaree, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, announced today that on the night of 28/12, its military detected 250 unmanned aerial vehicles flying from Cambodia into Thailand's sovereign airspace. Winthai stated that such actions constitute provocation and a violation of de-escalation measures, inconsistent with the joint statement reached at the Joint Border Committee (GBC) meeting on 27/12.

The Royal Thai Army spokesperson added that this conduct "reflects Cambodia's continued provocative and hostile attitude towards Thailand," potentially impacting the security and safety of military personnel and civilians in the border area.

Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, however, described the situation as "a minor issue." He stated on television that both sides had discussed the incident and agreed to investigate and "resolve it immediately." Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense reported earlier that as of 12:00 on 29/12, the frontline situation remained peaceful. Cambodian forces, it said, "have been performing their duties with high vigilance, continuously monitoring closely and with utmost caution to protect sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Major General Winthai Suvaree, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, at a press conference in Bangkok on 8/12. *Photo: Reuters*

The accusations follow a joint statement signed by representatives from Cambodia and Thailand at the GBC meeting on 27/12. This agreement reaffirmed their commitment to fully implement a ceasefire, striving for peace, stability, and security for border residents. Key terms included refraining from unprovoked firing, troop advances, or deploying forces close to the other side's positions.

Thai Defense Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit stated that the border situation would be monitored for 72 hours post-agreement. He added that if Cambodia "shows goodwill and no incidents occur," both parties would continue to clarify the agreement's details.

Winthai also warned that Thailand might reconsider the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers.

The recent conflict, spanning three weeks, resulted in at least 23 deaths in Thailand and 30 in Cambodia, with over 900,000 people in both countries displaced.

According to Winthai, Thailand reaffirms its commitment to a peaceful approach, prioritizing de-escalation through existing mechanisms. However, he warned, "if violations of the agreement and infringements on national sovereignty persist, the Royal Thai Army will be compelled to act in accordance with its responsibility to protect national interests and security."

By Huyen Le (According to AFP, PRD, Khmer Times)