Thailand’s military leadership along the Thai-Cambodian border has changed, as part of the regular reshuffle of personnel, with new generals vowing to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid ongoing tensions with Cambodia.
The Thai armed forces held a low-key ceremony to mark the handover of command from Gen Songwit Noonpackdee, who retired this year, to Gen Ukrit Boontanont, the new Supreme Commander.
The ceremony was deliberately small, without the usual military pomp and ceremony, in respect for and to honour the 16 soldiers and 14 civilians who were killed in clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border between July 24 and 28.
Gen Ukrit pledged to continue the core missions of the armed forces with maximum responsibility and to maintain national security as a top priority.
He affirmed the commitment to modern, joint-force operations and emphasised that all ranks and personnel are vital to the nation’s defence.
The Air Force also has new commander in chief, ACM Sekesan Kantha, replacing ACM Phanphakdi Patthanakun. Seksan said he will not celebrate his promotion, noting that many air force personnel remain on high alert along the border.
He said he ordered all units to be ready for deployment at a moment’s notice, stressing that, while Thailand does not seek armed conflict, it must be prepared to fight if called upon to do so to protect the nation.
He went to Sa Kaeo province to visit Wing 3, where he stressed the importance of drone defense and preparedness for long-range strikes and noted that modern conflict is not as it was in the past, as enemies are now capable of applying high-tech, small-scale and remote attacks.
"If I were the enemy, I would strike the most critical targets first. That’s why we must always be ready," he warned, vowing to strengthen interoperability between the air force, army and navy for maximum combat efficiency.
Meanwhile Lt Gen Worayas Leungsuwan became the new commander of the First Army Region, which is responsible for Bangkok, the central provinces and the eastern border with Cambodia.
The handover ceremony was held today, as former commander Gen Amarit Boonsuya has been promoted to Assistant Army Chief.
Worayas, a veteran of the elite Burapha Phayak (Eastern Tigers) unit, has considerable experience managing border operations in Sa Kaeo province.
He pledged to transform the First Army Region into a combat-ready force dedicated to national defense and royal service, saying "We will protect the nation’s sovereignty and interests with everything we have, even with our lives."
For the second army region, Lt Gen Wirayut Raksin has taken command, replacing Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, who retired this year.
A career officer with deep roots in southern Isaan, Lt. Gen. Wirayut has been directly involved in conflict areas, including Chong Arn Ma and Pha Mor E Daeng. He expressed confidence that the transition of command will be seamless.
He acknowledged Cambodia’s use of tactical harassment, but insisted that the Thai military remains vigilant and prepared. “I’m not worried. We’ve been in this together all along,” he said, underscoring his commitment to continuity and readiness.
