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As tensions escalate along the Thai-Cambodian border, Thai ground troops express growing unease over the increasing sophistication of Cambodian military equipment, much of which is supplied by China.
The recent flare-up began on May 28 with a deadly clash in the disputed Chong Bok area of Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier. While both sides have since engaged in diplomatic discussions, the situation remains volatile.
“We’ve rotated border guard duty over the past few years and we keep a close eye on the movement on their side,” said Lieutenant Manas, a Thai naval officer who spoke to Thai Enquirer on condition of partial anonymity due to security concerns. “They have new trucks, new artillery—all supplied by the Chinese.”
Cambodia has announced plans to seek a ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to resolve ongoing border disputes with Thailand, following the recent military clash near Morokot village in Preah Vihear province. The Cambodian National Assembly approved the move, which includes disputes over sites such as Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, and Ta Kro Bei. Thailand, however, maintains that bilateral talks will continue and does not recognize the ICJ’s jurisdiction in this matter.
In response to the escalating tensions, Thailand’s military has declared its readiness to launch a “high-level operation” to defend its sovereignty if necessary. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized the preference for a peaceful resolution while acknowledging that military escalation remains an option.
Thailand has called on Cambodia to positively engage in bilateral mechanisms to address their longstanding border dispute, emphasizing it does not recognize the ICJ’s jurisdiction. This response follows Cambodia’s statement that it intends to refer unresolved border issues to the ICJ after the recent deadly skirmish. The two countries are scheduled to meet for talks on June 14 to continue discussions.
The Thai government has reiterated its stance on resolving disputes through bilateral mechanisms, such as the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), as the primary channel for negotiations with Cambodia. It has firmly stated that it will not accept international arbitration on the issue, emphasizing the principle of patience without retreat to safeguard national interests in a balanced manner.
Despite the diplomatic efforts, Thai ground troops remain vigilant and concerned about the increasing capabilities of Cambodian forces. “It’s very worrying if things escalate because our equipment is very old when compared to their new Chinese things,” said Lieutenant Manas. “And we know the Chinese train them in using their technology.”
A Close Relationship:
Cambodia’s growing military relationship with China has accelerated in recent years, with Beijing emerging as Phnom Penh’s largest defense partner. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China has supplied Cambodia with armored personnel carriers, artillery systems, trucks, small arms, and air defense radars. Cambodia’s Defense Ministry has also confirmed ongoing training programs with Chinese advisors, with joint exercises such as the annual “Golden Dragon” drills taking place regularly since 2016.
In 2023, Cambodia presided over a major upgrade of the Ream Naval Base on its southern coast, backed by Chinese funding and technical assistance. While Cambodian officials insist the base remains under their full sovereignty, Western analysts and regional governments, including the United States, have raised concerns that China may be gaining exclusive access to the facility, potentially giving the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) a strategic foothold in the Gulf of Thailand. Satellite imagery released in late 2023 showed rapid construction of piers and infrastructure consistent with dual-use military applications.
Beijing has maintained that its cooperation with Cambodia is part of “normal bilateral military relations” and falls within the scope of mutual development and regional peace. Nonetheless, the pace and scope of Chinese military aid have unsettled neighboring countries, including Thailand and Vietnam, both of whom view Cambodia’s modernization—facilitated by Chinese platforms—as a shift in the regional balance. For Thai soldiers on the border, the growing presence of Chinese-supplied hardware across the fence has become a daily reality—and a cause for increasing concern.
Takeaway:
Despite Thailand’s sizable defense budget—one of the largest in Southeast Asia—the reality on the ground tells a different story. Years of misallocated spending, bloated procurement projects, and endemic corruption have left frontline units poorly equipped. The Thai armed forces have poured billions into prestige items like submarines with no delivery date, armored vehicles that rarely see action, and an aircraft carrier that now serves as little more than a floating museum. Meanwhile, basic equipment for infantry—radios, transport trucks, personal protection—remains outdated or in short supply.
This contrast is not lost on the soldiers themselves, who see Cambodia’s Chinese-supplied modernization efforts with growing alarm. While Thailand still has numerical superiority and more advanced air power, the gap on the ground is narrowing. If Bangkok continues to prioritize showpiece purchases over practical needs, it risks losing the confidence of its own rank-and-file—who are, after all, the ones expected to stand their ground when tensions like these flare up.