The situation along the Thai-Cambodian border remains fragile, but is still under control, says National Security Council (NSC) secretary-general Chatchai Bangchuad.

His comments came amid reports that China had delivered T-59D tanks to Cambodia.

Mr Chatchai said officials had agreed conditions remained sensitive. However, local authorities on both sides were still able to communicate and manage problems on the ground, he said.

He also downplayed recent remarks by Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, saying he understood why such statements were being made.

Hun Sen on Tuesday raised the issue of Cambodia reclaiming disputed areas from Thailand, while also apologising to Cambodians for failing to strengthen the country's military preparedness before earlier clashes with Thailand.

He was quoted as saying he had trusted Thailand too much and so had not purchased more weapons.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul also downplayed concerns on Wednesday over reports of China's handover of T-59D tanks to Cambodia under a defence cooperation arrangement.

Defence Minister Lt Gen Adul Boonthumjaroen described the tanks as refurbished older models supplied under an existing agreement between Cambodia and China, which have conducted joint military exercises since 2016.

Lt Gen Adul said intelligence reports confirmed the vehicles had arrived at a Cambodian port but had not been moved to border areas.

He said he expected to meet his Chinese counterparts as part of his duties in his new post.

He said Thailand would not be drawn into provocations, adding he could not determine whether Hun Sen's comments about reclaiming territory from Thailand were serious.

However, he said that those considering the use of force should "think carefully" about the consequences.