Thai PM affirms self-defense military operations to protect sovereignty

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Monday that Thailand will exercise its "legitimate right to self-defense" to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity in response to ongoing border clashes with Cambodia.



In a televised address following a resolution by the National Security Council, Anutin stated that military operations will be conducted in all cases as dictated by the conditions of the situation, with prudence under the rules of engagement and adherence to humanitarian principles.



The government has also ordered immediate support for civilians evacuated to temporary shelters, instructing all agencies to provide food, medical care, and essential welfare.



The address follows escalating violence along the Thai-Cambodian border, which began on Sunday and has already claimed the life of one Thai soldier and injured eight others, according to the Thai Army.