The Royal Thai Navy has launched a large-scale military operation, named "Trat Prap Porapak," amid intensifying clashes with Cambodia near the border in Trat province, the Thai border defense command announced Wednesday, APA reports, citing almayadeen.net.
"On December 10, the Royal Thai Navy assumed expanded operational authority in its sector due to the escalation of military clashes with Cambodia," the official statement read.
HTMS Thepa begins 24-hour patrols
As part of the operation, the HTMS Thepa warship has been deployed to conduct round-the-clock patrols and reconnaissance missions in the contested area.
"The entire crew has been placed on full combat alert, and weapons are fully operational and ready for immediate use in the event of an escalation," the statement added.
Thai air units have also been placed on standby to support naval forces in the event of further hostilities.
Maritime warning to fishermen
The Thai navy issued a warning to local fishermen to avoid sailing near the maritime border with Cambodia, citing the risk of accidental engagement or cross-border incidents amid the heightened military posture.
The situation follows several days of border skirmishes, with both Thailand and Cambodia accusing each other of violating the ceasefire agreement previously brokered with US involvement.
Monday’s confrontations marked the fiercest fighting since a five-day exchange of rockets and artillery in July, which left at least 48 people dead and displaced more than 300,000 before US President Donald Trump brokered a temporary ceasefire. Earlier this year, another trilateral meeting hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim resulted in an unconditional ceasefire agreement, though it has since unraveled under mounting tensions.
Violence surged again after Thailand suspended a peace pact last month, claiming a landmine explosion in Si Sa Ket province that injured four Thai soldiers. The decision triggered a spike in troop deployments and accusations of ceasefire violations.
Trump vows to intervene in renewed Thailand-Cambodia conflict
US President Donald Trump pledged to step in and help resolve the renewed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, which has flared up again after a period of relative calm.
“It started up today. Tomorrow I have to make a phone call … I’m going to make a phone call and stop a war,” Trump said during a rally in Pennsylvania on Tuesday.
