Bangkok: “Big Lek” met with the Defense Council to discuss the Thai-Cambodian border issue, as Defense Minister General Natthapol summoned the Armed Forces Commanders for a critical meeting. General Nattapol Nakphanit, the Minister of Defense, chaired the significant 10th/2025 Defense Council meeting focused on the “Development of the Thai Army 2050, the Thai Army in the 26th Buddhist Century.” The meeting took place at the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, where General Ukrit Boontanon, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, welcomed the dignitaries.
According to Thai News Agency, before the meeting, General Nattapol Nakphanit paid homage to the King Naresuan the Great Monument at the Royal Monument Plaza. He then honored the honor guard of the three armed forces at the multipurpose area of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters. During his visit, the Minister of Defense received a presentation on the missions of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters and provided policy guidelines for o
fficial duties.
The Defense Minister emphasized two main priorities: the mourning and remembrance of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother, supporting the Bureau of the Royal Household and government in organizing the Royal Cremation Ceremony, and carrying out national defense missions. The Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters has been requested to expedite operations to achieve tangible results, ensuring the army’s preparedness to handle sovereignty encroachments.
Key issues discussed included humanitarian demining, border security development, monitoring personnel rights, enhancing military capabilities, particularly in drone use and counter-drone operations, and supporting the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) for effective operations.
The Minister of Defense also toured exhibitions showcasing the missions of various military departments, observing operations and demonstrations of capabilities and equipment used to support disaster relief efforts. The Commander-in-Chief expressed gratitude for the visit,
affirming readiness to align with government policies and ensure coordinated and effective armed forces operations to address all threats, thereby guaranteeing national security.