Thai military forces have stressed that a newly agreed 72-hour ceasefire with Cambodia does not signal any reduction in military readiness, with troops remaining on full alert to safeguard national territory and sovereignty.
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Air Chief Marshal Prapas Sonjaidee, director of the joint press centre on the Thai–Cambodian border situation, said on Sunday that Thai forces would hold their current positions and maintain complete operational readiness throughout the ceasefire period. He emphasised that the temporary halt in hostilities was a strategic step aimed at creating space for peace efforts, not a weakening of Thailand’s defence posture.
The ceasefire was agreed on Saturday by the Thai–Cambodian General Border Committee (GBC) and is set to remain in place for 72 hours. Prapas said the military would reassess the situation once the period ends before deciding whether to extend de-escalation measures or take further action.
Addressing concerns that Cambodia could use the ceasefire window to reinforce its positions, Prapas said Thailand has robust monitoring mechanisms in place. Intelligence operations, patrols and surveillance are being used to track troop movements, with all activities recorded to protect Thailand’s interests both on the ground and during negotiations.
He added that any ceasefire violations would be reported through established mechanisms and that Thailand reserves the right to self-defence, including proportionate responses, while avoiding actions that could undermine its standing internationally.
Prapas explained that the 72-hour timeframe was designed to be short enough to prevent loss of control, yet sufficient to verify facts on the ground, assist affected civilians, manage security risks and allow diplomatic channels to function without escalation.
On civilian safety, he said emergency plans remain active and affected areas will not automatically reopen. Residents will be allowed to return gradually following detailed safety assessments, including checks for landmines and unexploded ordnance. Authorities have also increased patrols, strengthened property protection and introduced compensation and relief measures.
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Prapas underlined that decisions are being taken jointly by the government and military, rejecting claims of secret deals or compromises on sovereignty. He said further briefings would be provided as the situation evolves, guided by verified information and national security priorities.