Thai Military Ready for 'High-Level Op' If Border Row Escalates

Thailand's military said it is ready to launch a "high-level operation" to counter any violation of its sovereignty, in the strongest words yet in a simmering border dispute with Cambodia that re-erupted with a deadly clash last week.

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BANGKOK - Thailand's military said it is ready to launch a "high-level operation" to counter any violation of its sovereignty, in the strongest words yet in a simmering border dispute with Cambodia that re-erupted with a deadly clash last week.

The army said in a statement late on June 5 that its intelligence gathering indicated Cambodia had stepped up its military readiness at their border while diplomatic efforts were ongoing, describing that as "worrisome".

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra held a meeting of the National Security Council on June 6 and said that while the military was ready to defend Thai sovereignty, it understood the situation and when an escalation would be required.

"The military has confirmed readiness for any scenario," she said. "But any clash will cause damage, so we will pursue peaceful means."