Tensions are simmering in Southeast Asia as Cambodia prepares for live-fire naval exercises near Koh Kut, a Thai island in the Gulf of Thailand. In response, the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has pledged to defend Thailand’s sovereignty, emphasizing readiness to counter any incursions. This development adds a maritime dimension to the longstanding land border disputes between the two nations.
Background: Historical Tensions and Recent Developments
The Thai-Cambodian border has been a source of contention for over a century, with disputes often flaring up over land demarcations.
In recent weeks, tensions escalated following a deadly clash on May 28, 2025, in the disputed area of Hill 496, adjacent to Chong Bok in Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province.
In the maritime domain, Cambodia announced plans to conduct live ammunition drills at Ream Naval Base, directly opposite Koh Kut in Trat Province, from June 11-13, 2025.
Thai Navy’s Response and Preparedness
Admiral Jirapol Wongwit, Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, emphasized the necessity to repel any incursions into Thai territory promptly.
The RTN has been conducting routine naval exercises, including land-based drills in Narathiwat and live-fire training in the Andaman Sea.
Cambodia’s Naval Drills and International Implications
The Royal Cambodian Navy’s planned live-fire exercises near Koh Kut mark a significant development, especially after a two-year hiatus.
These drills are part of a continuing military plan, following the Golden Dragon exercises, and are expected to involve Chinese warships.
Key Events in Thai-Cambodian Maritime Tensions
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| May 28, 2025 | Deadly clash between Thai and Cambodian forces | Hill 496, Ubon Ratchathani |
| June 3, 2025 | Cambodia announces naval drills near Koh Kut | Ream Naval Base |
| June 6, 2025 | Thai Navy reiterates readiness to defend sovereignty | Nakhon Si Thammarat |
| June 11-13, 2025 | Scheduled Cambodian live-fire naval exercises | Sihanoukville waters |
Conclusion
The upcoming Cambodian naval drills near Koh Kut have heightened tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, adding a maritime layer to their longstanding border disputes. While both nations express a desire for peaceful resolutions, the situation remains delicate, with the potential for escalation if not managed carefully.