As Cambodia cliams 72-Hour Ceasefire Compliance to Secure Soldiers’ Return, Thailand Alleges Drone Breach

When Cambodia maintained that it had fully complied with the 72-hour ceasefire in order to secure the return of 18 Cambodian soldiers captured shortly after the truce, Thailand’s military moved to project firmness and vigilance by alleging that Cambodian forces flew more than 250 drones into Thai airspace during the first day of the ceasefire.

According to army spokesperson Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, the alleged drone activity was described as provocative and potentially inconsistent with de-escalation commitments reached under the General Border Committee (GBC) framework. He stated that Thailand might reconsider the planned release of the 18 Cambodian prisoners of war should such actions persist.

The message appears directed at two audiences. Internationally, Thailand is positioning itself as a party that agreed to ceasefire mechanisms while carefully documenting what it describes as possible non-compliance by Cambodia. By repeatedly referencing the joint statement and the GBC process, Thai authorities seek to frame any subsequent response as procedural and defensive rather than escalatory.

At the domestic level, the remarks also serve a reassurance function. By citing a specific number of drones, naming multiple border locations, and emphasising continuous monitoring during the 72-hour ceasefire window, the military signals that national sovereignty remains under active protection and that de-escalation does not imply withdrawal or passivity. In this sense, the statement may also be understood as a way of gauging public sentiment, whether Thai society prefers a firm military posture or a strict adherence to diplomatic commitments under international law.

This context is shaped by broader political dynamics. International media have reported delays in the release of the 18 soldiers since August, while public opinion surveys have suggested that many Thai citizens would prefer the government to focus on domestic challenges, particularly as elections approach. Within this environment, political parties that has connection with Thai amry and network monarcy face pressure to maintain credibility and public confidence alongside elected authorities, including competition with reformist political forces that performed strongly in the previous election.

At the same time, allegations concerning drone shall be varified followed by the Joint Statement. Under the 27 December 2025 GBC Joint Statement, incidents occurring during the ceasefire period are to be addressed through agreed verification mechanisms rather than treated as established facts. The statement mandates that such cases be reviewed through bilateral border coordination channels and under the observation of the ASEAN Observer Team, with the explicit aim of preventing miscalculation and unintended escalation.

Within this framework, sensitive measures, including the release of prisoners of war, are conditioned on a ceasefire being fully maintained for 72 hours, implying assessment based on verified compliance rather than unilateral claims. For this reason, allegations raised during an active monitoring window require independent clarification through agreed mechanisms before conclusions are drawn or narratives hardened. This approach remains essential for sustaining trust, preventing escalation, and ensuring that the ceasefire serves its intended stabilising purpose.

Author: PanhaCHEZDA