Thai marines have stepped up monitoring along the Thai-Cambodian border after reports of renewed provocations, with commanders warning any further violations could prompt a response.
Capt Thammanoon Wanna, commander of the Trat Marine Task Force, yesterday inspected operations at key points along the border, including Ban Tha Sen–Thmor Da and Ban Nong Ri, also known as Ban Sam Lang, in Trat province.
He said the past week had seen intermittent provocations from the Cambodian side, including gunfire, which he described as a clear breach of the Thai-Cambodian ceasefire agreement reached on Dec 27, 2025.
Thai authorities have been informed that a change in Cambodian unit commanders may be behind the incidents, leading to attempts to create tension in the area.
Capt Thammanoon said he has warned Cambodian counterparts that any further provocations would be met with retaliation.
He also addressed concerns about the possible scrapping of the so-called MoU 43, a memorandum of understanding signed between Thailand and Cambodia in 2000 that has served as a framework for boundary demarcation efforts.
While he said he had no objection to its cancellation, he stressed that an alternative mechanism must be put in place to ensure continuity in resolving border issues.
Regarding the disputed Thmor Da casino building, which Cambodia had previously advanced into, Capt Thammanoon confirmed it is now under Thai control.
However, no orders have been issued to demolish the structure, and it will remain intact pending further instructions from higher authorities.
The broader Thmor Da area has increasingly become a hub for scam operations, reportedly run by Chinese-backed groups, said Capt Thammanoon.
