PUBLISHED : 11 Nov 2025 at 13:14

Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, left, receives flowers from war veterans at the Army Club in Bangkok on Thursday. The former Second Army Region chief delivers a speech during Remembrance Day for Thai Volunteers in World War I. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

Former Second Army Area commander Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang refused to attend a Senate committee meeting on Tuesday, citing prior commitments, over his controversial remark about an early ceasefire during the Cambodia border clashes.

Lt Gen Boonsin was in the spotlight when he said on Saturday that he was ordered to halt fire within six hours of fighting on July 24. He later retracted the claim, saying it was just a consultation. He refused to name the person behind the order.

Sawat Thatsana, chairman of the Senate Committee on Military and National Security, said Lt Gen Boonsin told him by phone that he could not attend the urgent meeting due to his already fixed arrangements until next month.

The border conflict occurred under the previous government of Paetongtarn Shinawatra, with key officials denying they ordered the ceasefire.

Lt Gen Boonsin retired in October and now serves as an advisor to the Royal Thai Army chief.

The Second Army Region is responsible for the battle with Cambodia in northeastern provinces from Buri Ram to Ubon Ratchathani.

On Monday, the Thai army condemned Cambodia for newly laying landmines which seriously injured Thai soldiers in Si Sa Ket province, breaching a peace agreement both countries recently signed.