Thailand's first line of defence

Lt Gen Boonsin: Leads from the front

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As tensions rise along the Thailand-Cambodia border in Ubon Ratchathani, one man stands firm at the heart of national defence — Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, commander of the 2nd Army Region.

At 60, with just months to go before retirement, he faces one of the most challenging assignments of his military career: navigating a dangerous flare-up with Cambodia while remaining steadfast under political scrutiny at home.

The conflict erupted on May 28, when Thai troops encountered a 650-metre long trench believed to have been dug by Cambodian soldiers in disputed territory at Chong Bok in Ubon Ratchathani. A fatal exchange of gunfire followed. When negotiations began between military leaders from both sides, accusations quickly mounted — during protests in Phnom Penh to online speculation that Lt Gen Boonsin had defied orders by refusing to pull back Thai troops. His name was even floated for possible dismissal.