Trump Ignored, Thailand Holds Military Operation 'Trat Prap Popak' Near Cambodian Border

JAKARTA - The Thai Navy launched a large-scale operation dubbed "Trat Prap Porapak," deploying naval and air forces amid rising conflict with Cambodia.

"On December 10, the Royal Thai Navy took over wider operational powers in its sector due to increasing military clashes with Cambodia," Thailand's border defense force headquarters, located in Trat Province, said in a statement reported by ANTARA from Sputnik, Wednesday, December 10.

The HTMS warship Thepa was deployed to the operational area and assigned to carry out patrols and reconnaissance around the clock, the statement added.

"All crew members have been placed on full combat alert, and weapons are fully operational and ready for immediate use in the event of an increase in conflict," the Thai military said.

The navy also warned Thai fishermen not to sail near maritime borders with Cambodia.

Clashes along the Thailand-Kamboja border have escalated from weekend to Tuesday, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire.

Earlier on Monday (15/12), the Khaosod news portal citing Thai military spokeswoman, reported Cambodia launched airstrikes on the Anupong military base, prompting Thailand to counterattack by targeting military infrastructure.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said his party was ready to take the necessary steps to ensure the security and sovereignty of the country.

Thailand's latest military operation appears to ignore the message of US President Donald Trump who calls on Cambodia and Thailand to fully adhere to their ceasefire commitments after deadly clashes along the disputed border.

"President Trump is committed to continuing to stop continued violence and hopes that the governments of Cambodia and Thailand fully respect their commitment to ending this conflict," said a senior government official who spoke on condition of anonymity to Anadolu.

The statement comes after Thailand launched airstrikes on Monday morning in response to an earlier attack by Cambodian forces that killed at least one Thai soldier and injured several others.

The attack threatened a fragile ceasefire agreement signed by the two countries in October in Kuala Lumpur with the presence of Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.