Thailand will launch “all necessary military operations” in response to Cambodia’s latest attacks, which began on Sunday, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said after a top level security meeting on Monday.

Mr Anutin made the promise in the presence of the chiefs of the armed forces and the defence minister on Monday afternoon, after a meeting of the National Security Council at Government House.

He said Thailand had to exercise its right to self defence after Cambodia launched  attacks on Thailand on Sunday that continued on Monday.

“The government will respond with military operations to actual situations, and other military operations as necessary,” the prime minister said.

He said the government was confident the Thai armed forces “can carefully undergo operations in accordance with the rules of engagement and humanitarian principles in their efforts to protect people and maintain peace and order along the border”.

The prime minister said his government was most determined to protect  Thai sovereignty and territory in compliance with international laws and the right to self defence.

“The government asks the people to rest assured that the protection of the nation and safety of the people is the most important mission of the government and the Thai armed forces,” Mr Anutin said.

The prime minister said violence was never Thailand’s preferred option, and Thailand never initiated violence, or launched an invasion.

However, “Thailand will not tolerate the infringement of its sovereignty and will act rationally and carefully and adhere to the principles of peace, security and humanitarianism”.

“The government is ready to take all necessary measures to maintain the security, sovereignty and integrity of the nation and take the best care of  people,” Mr Anutin said.