The Royal Thai Army launched Operation “Trat Pikhat Pairee 1” in response to renewed aggression near Ban Chamrak in Trat Province.
Thailand has declared martial law in key eastern provinces following a sharp escalation in border clashes with Cambodian forces, marking the third consecutive day of conflict.
At 05:10 AM on July 26, Cambodian troops reportedly expanded their attacks along the Thai-Cambodian border, prompting immediate retaliation by Thai forces. The Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defence Command initiated a counteroffensive and implemented sweeping emergency measures to restore control and safeguard Thai territory.
According to a military statement, martial law now covers eight districts across Chanthaburi and Trat Provinces, including Mueang Chanthaburi, Tha Mai, Makham, Laem Sing, Kaeng Hang Maew, Na Yai Am, Khao Khitchakut, and Khao Saming. The directive was issued to address what the command described as “external threats to the kingdom.”
As part of the security clampdown, all border crossings between Thailand and Cambodia have been closed indefinitely. This includes both land and maritime routes.
“No vehicles or individuals will be permitted to cross in either direction,” the command said in a public notice. “All trade and tourism activities are suspended. Maritime traffic within Thai-controlled waters is halted.”
The clashes, which began Thursday, have already claimed at least 12 lives and displaced over 100,000 civilians, mostly on the Thai side. Cambodian forces are reported to have used BM-21 Grad rocket systems and field artillery in their cross-border offensives. Thai forces responded with coordinated airstrikes, artillery fire, and the deployment of armored reinforcements including Oplot-M tanks, Stryker armored personnel carriers, and M758 ATMG self-propelled guns.
Meanwhile, Australian defense analyst Nathan Ruser, from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said evidence points to Cambodia as the primary instigator of the conflict. According to Ruser, data compiled between February and July shows 33 escalatory incidents initiated by Cambodia, compared to 14 from the Thai side.
Ruser stated the findings were based on official situation reports rather than satellite imagery. However, commercial satellite analysis confirmed Cambodian tactical improvements as early as late February, including new road construction and military fortifications near the Sam Yaek Lao junction and Phnom Prasitthi hilltop—both near contested border areas.
“These developments indicate a deliberate and sustained build-up of military capability by Cambodian forces in the lead-up to the current clashes,” Ruser said.
As of Friday evening, Thai military convoys, including armored vehicles and support units, were observed moving toward key conflict zones in the eastern provinces. The Royal Thai Air Force also confirmed that F-16 fighter jets have carried out targeted strikes on Cambodian military positions believed to be responsible for firing on Thai territory.
The Thai government said it remains committed to defending its sovereignty and protecting civilians but has also called for de-escalation through diplomatic channels. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it would file a formal complaint with ASEAN and the United Nations regarding the breach of Thai sovereignty.
For now, martial law remains in effect, and Thai forces continue to fortify their positions along the volatile border.