Thai PM Paetongtarn Visits Sa Kaeo Border Amid Cambodia’s Military Mobilization
June 26, 2025 – The Thai-Cambodian border has once again drawn attention as Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited Sa Kaeo province to assess the impact of recent border control measures. On the same day, Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen posted images of himself visiting troops near the border in a show of military support.
PM Paetongtarn Holds High-Level Talks on Cross-Border Impact
At 10:15 a.m., the Prime Minister chaired a meeting at Aranyaprathet School’s Chalerm Phrakiat Building in Sa Kaeo. The discussion focused on the socio-economic consequences of the restricted border crossings between Thailand and Cambodia.
She was joined by key officials, including Gen. Natthaphon Nakphanich (Deputy Minister of Defense), Wuttikrai Leewiraphan (Permanent Secretary for Commerce), Arsit Sampantarat (Permanent Secretary for Interior), the Governor of Sa Kaeo, and senior military commanders from Region 1.
PM Paetongtarn thanked all departments for their hard work and urged them to continue helping affected citizens. She also emphasized the need for transparent communication to prevent misinformation in border communities.
Hun Sen Mobilizes Support, Accepts Army Chief Role
Coinciding with the Thai PM’s visit, Hun Sen, now President of Cambodia’s Senate, made his first public border inspection in recent years. Dressed in camouflage, he met with soldiers stationed in Samraong District, Oddar Meanchey Province, and listened to briefings from field commanders.
“Hun Sen accepted a request to become Chief of the Armed Forces,” said Chea Thirith, his spokesperson, during a military gathering on June 26. “This reflects his full backing for the troops, especially in logistics and defense readiness.”
Hun Sen’s Facebook page stated that the Cambodian military is on alert following the May 28 incident where Cambodian troops were allegedly fired upon by Thai forces. Military assets have reportedly been moved to provinces bordering Thailand, including Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey.
He declared that Cambodia’s forces are “fully equipped and ready to defend national sovereignty in case of further aggression.” The move appears to be both symbolic and strategic, aiming to rally public and military support at a tense time in cross-border relations.
This coordinated movement from both sides reflects increasing diplomatic and security sensitivity in the region, with humanitarian and economic implications still unfolding.
