Thai 2nd Army Denies Cambodian Claim of Seizing Pha In-Thi Area and Condemns Disinformation Efforts
Military spokesman calls reports of Cambodian occupation ‘false news,’ reiterates Thai sovereignty and readiness to defend borders
The Second Army Region of Thailand has strongly denied recent claims by Cambodian sources that they seized control of the disputed Pha In‑Thi area, labelling the allegations as baseless misinformation.
A military spokesperson asserted that Thai forces remain firmly in control and warned against the spread of false reports that threaten to inflame tensions along the border.
In a statement issued today, the Army said there was no loss or withdrawal of territory, and confirmed that troops are deployed in all contested positions.
The denial follows what the Thai side described as a pattern of “propaganda and psychological warfare” originating from some Cambodian media outlets and online platforms.
The rebuttal comes amid heightened cross-border conflict that erupted in late July 2025 over temple and land disputes — a broader crisis that has forced mass civilian evacuations, triggered aerial responses by Thai forces and resulted in substantial casualties on both sides.
The Second Army Region reiterated its readiness to defend Thai sovereignty, while urging all parties to prioritise accurate information and avoid provocative statements that could spark renewed fighting.
Thailand’s military leadership emphasised that any territorial claims must be resolved through bilateral negotiations under international law — not through unverified announcements or social-media rumours.
Officials added that any movement of weapons or foreign military observers near the border will be regarded as a severe breach of Thai sovereignty and responded to accordingly.
As diplomatic tension remains high, residents along the border continue to watch developments warily.
For now, the Thai military’s firm denial may succeed in quelling panic — but it leaves unresolved the wider question of whether both sides can resist disinformation even as negotiations slowly advance under regional mediation efforts.
A military spokesperson asserted that Thai forces remain firmly in control and warned against the spread of false reports that threaten to inflame tensions along the border.
In a statement issued today, the Army said there was no loss or withdrawal of territory, and confirmed that troops are deployed in all contested positions.
The denial follows what the Thai side described as a pattern of “propaganda and psychological warfare” originating from some Cambodian media outlets and online platforms.
The rebuttal comes amid heightened cross-border conflict that erupted in late July 2025 over temple and land disputes — a broader crisis that has forced mass civilian evacuations, triggered aerial responses by Thai forces and resulted in substantial casualties on both sides.
The Second Army Region reiterated its readiness to defend Thai sovereignty, while urging all parties to prioritise accurate information and avoid provocative statements that could spark renewed fighting.
Thailand’s military leadership emphasised that any territorial claims must be resolved through bilateral negotiations under international law — not through unverified announcements or social-media rumours.
Officials added that any movement of weapons or foreign military observers near the border will be regarded as a severe breach of Thai sovereignty and responded to accordingly.
As diplomatic tension remains high, residents along the border continue to watch developments warily.
For now, the Thai military’s firm denial may succeed in quelling panic — but it leaves unresolved the wider question of whether both sides can resist disinformation even as negotiations slowly advance under regional mediation efforts.
