Bangkok, Thailand – February 23rd, 2026– In a stern rebuke amid ongoing border tensions, Thailand’s Acting Defense Minister Gen. Natthaphon Narkphanit has accused Cambodian soldiers of deliberately setting forest fires along the Thai-Cambodian border, labeling the actions as undisciplined and potentially provocative. The minister warned that if the flames spread into Thai territory, it could ignite clashes between the two nations’ forces, further straining already fragile relations.
Speaking to reporters following a high-level defense meeting on Monday, Gen. Natthaphon revealed that he had directly contacted his Cambodian counterpart, Gen. Tea Seiha, to voice Thailand’s concerns. He said that Thailand had previously raised alarms over landmines planted in disputed areas and is now equally troubled by the border fires. “If Cambodia genuinely wants to resolve issues peacefully, this should not be the method,” Gen. Natthaphon stated, adding that such actions undermine diplomatic efforts and risk escalation.
The accusations come against a backdrop of longstanding border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia, which date back to the 1950s following Cambodia’s independence from France. The conflict has centered on territorial claims, including the ancient Preah Vihear temple, and has flared periodically, with the most recent major escalation in 2025 involving armed clashes and a partially U.S.-brokered ceasefire. In recent months, incidents involving landmines have injured Thai soldiers, prompting Bangkok to threaten suspending truce agreements. Thai authorities have also reported exchanges of gunfire and allegations of provocations from the Cambodian side.
Gen. Natthaphon further alleged that Cambodian troops have been spreading false claims against Thai forces, including unsubstantiated accusations that Thai soldiers shot and injured Cambodian personnel. He insisted that available evidence does not support these claims, describing them as attempts to inflame tensions. Cambodian officials have not yet publicly responded to the latest accusations, but Phnom Penh has previously denied similar allegations, rejecting Thai media reports linking Cambodian activities to cross-border issues.
On border management strategies, the minister indicated that Thailand is considering installing permanent fencing in high-traffic crossing points, such as Ban Khlong Luek and Thmor Da. These could be supplemented with electronic barriers and CCTV surveillance to enhance security and prevent unauthorized activities.
Beyond the immediate security risks, the alleged border burnings have raised environmental concerns, as they appear to worsen Thailand’s annual air pollution crisis. Forest fires and agricultural burning along the Thai-Cambodian border are a recurring issue during the dry season, contributing significantly to hazardous levels of PM2.5 particulate matter across the kingdom.
Satellite data from NASA and Thai authorities have detected thousands of hotspots in Cambodia, with over 4,462 recorded recently, the highest since the start of the burning season, leading to cross-border haze that affects Bangkok, Pattaya, and eastern provinces like Sa Kaeo and Prachin Buri. Easterly winds carry the smoke into Thailand, pushing PM2.5 levels into the “hazardous” range and posing health risks to residents, including respiratory issues and reduced visibility. It also directly hurts tourism in popular spots like Pattaya and Koh Chang.
Thai officials have urged stricter controls on open burning, while Cambodian authorities attribute the hotspots primarily to rice stubble and waste burning, denying intentional contributions to Thailand’s pollution woes. This transboundary pollution shows the need for bilateral cooperation, as experts warn that without joint efforts, the annual haze problem could worsen, impacting public health, tourism, and agriculture in both countries.
The Thai government has called on Cambodia to rein in its troops and halt the fires, stating that peaceful resolution remains the priority. As tensions simmer, both sides continue to monitor the border closely, with hopes that diplomatic channels will prevent further incidents.
