(Bangkok): On 23 February 2026, Thai Defence Minister Nattaphon Nakpanich said that the Ministry of Defence of Thailand has proposed a gradual withdrawal of troops along the Thai–Cambodian border, according to Thai PBS.

The proposal has been submitted to Thailand’s National Security Council, with the minister citing cost reduction as the primary reason for the move.

Despite the proposal, Nattaphon emphasized the continued need for a military presence in border areas that have yet to be fully demarcated between Thailand and Cambodia, particularly in zones previously seized by Thai forces during clashes in December.

He acknowledged that maintaining troops at all times along the 798-kilometre border is financially burdensome and operationally unsustainable. He therefore proposed a phased troop withdrawal to the National Security Council in an effort to reduce costs.
=FRESH NEWS