Thai JIC opens border areas to media for fact-checking

BANGKOK — On 7 September 2026, Thailand permitted key border regions with Cambodia to be visited by Thai and international media outlets, alongside ASEAN observers. This move was made to give journalists and observers a firsthand look at the border situation as Thailand emphasized the importance of relying on facts, bilateral approaches, and dialogue to address tensions.

Air Chief Marshal Praphat Sonchaidee, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force and director of the Joint Information Center (JIC) overseeing the Thailand-Cambodia situation, led a delegation comprising ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) members from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, alongside Thai and foreign media, to inspect border zones on the 7th of September.

The primary objective of the visit was to provide foreign journalists with the chance to directly observe the situation, obtain information from relevant authorities, and independently confirm facts on the ground. Thailand stressed that transparency and the verification of information were critical for maintaining credibility in the face of border tensions.

Among the areas explored were those in the O Smach-Chong Chom region, encompassing structures and remnants associated with past border developments. The JIC affirmed that the visit would enable both Thai and foreign media to utilize the collected information in their reporting and independently evaluate the current circumstances.

When queried about Thailand's intent in opening these areas to media, Air Chief Marshal Praphat stated that Bangkok aimed for information regarding the border situation to be grounded in verifiable facts that could be independently verified. He clarified that Thai and foreign media would be granted access to the areas to the extent permitted by security measures.

"We are not urging anyone to take sides, but we are requesting they consider the facts comprehensively," Praphat remarked.

Regarding Thailand's stance on the border issue, the JIC director reiterated Thailand's adherence to the Joint Statement signed on 27th of December 2025. He emphasized that Thailand's priority remained public safety, tension reduction, and resolving disputes through mechanisms mutually agreed upon by both parties. Thailand's objective, according to the JIC director, was to achieve a safe and stable border that would foster enduring peace.

Praphat reiterated Thailand's commitment to not seeking international support for either side, instead advocating for the assessment of the situation based on verified information. "Transparency, verification, and dialogue are crucial for building trust," he asserted, adding that verified facts served as the bedrock for trust and enduring peace.