Bangkok: “Bhumtham” insists there is no ceasefire order from the political side. Bhumtham posted a timeline clarifying that there was no ceasefire order from the political side, declaring that the military had been given full autonomy. He pointed out that all decisions at that time were based on a single stance: protecting Thai sovereignty, avoiding violence, and minimizing the loss of troops and civilians along the border.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, former Deputy Prime Minister and former Minister of the Interior responsible for security affairs, clarified the timeline of Lt. Gen. Boonsin Phadklang’s comments about the fighting with Cambodia between July 24-28. He addressed the speculations surrounding the mention of a “ceasefire order” during the clashes between the Thai and Cambodian armies, which he said had led to misunderstandings in society.
As a former Deputy Prime Minister overseeing security affairs and Chairman of the National Security Council (NSC), Mr. Wechayachai emphasized the importance of explaining the facts from that period to the public. He recounted that following heightened tensions on the Thai-Cambodian border, the NSC convened on June 6, 2025, resolving to grant the military full authority to make tactical decisions under the Rules Of Engagement (ROE) principle. This granted the Thai military autonomy to act based on the situation on the ground, without needing directives from the political sector.
Mr. Wechayachai outlined a two-tier defense operation structure at the time: the policy level set by the government and the operational level managed by the military. He stressed that the belief in a politically driven ceasefire order was incorrect, as the military was authorized to act independently within international law and rules. He also highlighted the close coordination between the NSC, the Ministry of Defense, and relevant military regions, ensuring legal protection and operational freedom for military units.
The former minister reaffirmed that the government’s core principle during the clashes was to adhere to peaceful means, respecting international standards while safeguarding Thai territory. He assured the public of the military’s professionalism and commitment to national security, guided by responsibility, transparency, and the national interest, aiming to protect Thailand’s sovereignty with prudence and minimize losses along the border.