Bangkok-
In an escalation of measures against neighboring Cambodia, the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters has formally proposed to the National Security Council (NSC) major stepped up security measures of the Gulf of Thailand to intercept fuel and military supplies bound for Cambodian forces. The move, detailed in an urgent letter from the armed forces chiefs, aims to weaken Cambodia’s operational capabilities as border hostilities enter their second week, marked by airstrikes, rocket attacks, and civilian casualties.
The proposal, set for NSC discussion as early as December 15th, outlines three key actions: suspending all exports of fuel and critical military equipment to Cambodia, directing the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre (Thai-MECC) to monitor and board suspicious vessels including commercial ships and fishing boats and designating territorial waters near Cambodian ports as high-risk zones due to the threat of unguided artillery fire.
If approved under the Maritime National Interests Protection Act, the measures could effectively impose major stepped up security but not a total blockade, echoing Thailand’s restrained but firm posture in the conflict that originally erupted on July 24th, 2025, over longstanding territorial disputes around the Preah Vihear temple and adjacent border areas.
What began as a simmering diplomatic row has devolved into open armed confrontation, with Thailand accusing Cambodia of laying landmines that injured Thai troops and launching indiscriminate BM-21 rocket barrages into civilian areas. Just this week, Cambodian forces reportedly shelled a community in Si Sa Ket province, killing one Thai civilian as we reported here and wounding several others, prompting Thailand to lodge a formal complaint with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights over attacks on non-combatants. On the Thai side, military losses stand at 16 dead and 327 injuries, according to joint forces briefings.
The conflict has defied international mediation efforts, including a fragile ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, which collapsed after mutual accusations of violations with Cambodia claiming Thai airstrikes breached the truce, and Thailand demanding an apology for the landmine incident. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has dismissed immediate negotiations, stating that Cambodia must first de-escalate.
Thai-language outlets, such as Thairath, have framed the proposal as a necessary defensive step, stating Thailand’s “restrained operations” that target only verified threats, in stark contrast to Cambodia’s alleged “indiscriminate attacks” on populated zones. Coverage in Thairath also spotlighted diplomatic overtures, including Thailand’s briefing to Vietnam’s foreign minister on the supply interdiction plans and a push for ASEAN solidarity against border encroachments.
The Royal Thai Navy moved swiftly to temper speculation of an imminent Gulf shutdown, with spokespersons stating that “the Gulf of Thailand remains open for navigation, and no closure has been declared.” In a press briefing, RTN Commander Adm. Adung Phan-iam described the measures as “proposals under NSC review,” stating enhanced surveillance rather than a blanket blockade. “We are instructing Thai-MECC to board and inspect vessels suspected of carrying prohibited goods, but legitimate trade will proceed,” he said, adding that the RTN has launched Operation “Prachuap Khiri Khan Prachan Khiri Khet”, a special flotilla deployment to safeguard Thai maritime interests.
However, the Navy issued an immediate safety advisory to small-scale fishermen, requesting they suspend operations in four high-risk zones in Trat province’s waters: south of Koh Chang, around Koh Kut, opposite Koh Yor island, and off Khlong Yai district. Effective from December 14th until further notice, the order cites dangers from stray fire and potential interdictions, with the Department of Fisheries amplifying warnings for vessels to avoid the Thai-Cambodian maritime border entirely. Local fishing cooperatives reported frustration, with one Trat-based captain telling reporters, “We’ve already lost weeks to this mess, now our livelihoods are adrift too.”
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
