
Thailand declares martial law in eastern border provinces amid rising tensions
Deputy Spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy, Rear Admiral Paratch Rattanachaipan, clarified that the imposition of martial law in parts of Chanthaburi and Trat provinces is intended to grant the military full legal authority to maintain peace and order, while assuring the public that daily life may continue as usual.
He stated that the growing tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border have raised concerns for the safety and security of residents in the affected regions.
"In response, the Chanthaburi-Trat Border Protection Command has exercised its authority under the Martial Law Act of 1914 to extend martial law to specific inland districts in both Chanthaburi and Trat," he said in a statement issued on Friday.
"This measure enables military personnel to legally maintain order and effectively carry out critical tasks, such as designating safe zones for civilians."
He added that the decision was made by the Commander of the Border Protection Command for Chanthaburi and Trat, following ongoing developments in the area.
He emphasised that residents in the affected districts can continue their daily activities as normal, as has been the case in other areas where martial law has previously been enforced.
Martial law is the temporary imposition of military rule over a civilian population, typically in times of extreme emergency, war, or severe civil unrest, when the civilian authorities are deemed unable to maintain public order and safety.
Thai and Cambodian forces clashed early Thursday in a disputed border area, with both sides accusing the other of initiating the latest round of violence.
The confrontation follows a previous skirmish near the Preah Vihear area on May 28, during which a Cambodian soldier was killed.
Thailand and Cambodia have been embroiled in repeated diplomatic and military tensions over a long-standing border dispute, particularly in areas surrounding the historic Preah Vihear Temple. – BERNAMA
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