CaliToday (10/12/2025): As the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia escalates into full-scale military engagement, Vietnam has moved swiftly to fortify its southwestern frontier. Facing the dual threat of combat spillover and a massive humanitarian crisis, Hanoi has activated its highest level of border security while simultaneously launching a daring rescue mission for victims of human trafficking.
Following the Thai Army Commander’s vow to "neutralize" Cambodian military capabilities, the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense has issued a "Red Alert" directive to all military zones in the Mekong Delta.
Specific measures implemented in the provinces of An Giang, Kiên Giang, and Tây Ninh include:
The "Safe Buffer Zone": While Vietnam maintains strict neutrality regarding the Thai-Cambodian political dispute, the Vietnam People's Army (VPA) has made it clear that no spillover will be tolerated. Heavy artillery units and air defense systems have been deployed to key vantage points to intercept any stray projectiles or unauthorized aircraft entering Vietnamese airspace.
Refugee Management: Anticipating a humanitarian disaster, field hospitals and temporary evacuation camps are being rapidly constructed at the Tịnh Biên and Hà Tiên border gates. These facilities are preparing to process thousands of refugees including Cambodian civilians and Vietnamese expatriates fleeing the conflict zones.
Operation "Lotus Rescue": Into the Chaos
Perhaps the most significant development is the launch of Operation "Lotus Rescue" (Chiến dịch Giải cứu Hoa Sen).
Intelligence reports indicate that the Thai military offensive is specifically targeting "criminal zones"—lawless enclaves in Cambodia known for online scam centers and alleged organ trafficking rings. As these compounds come under fire and their command structures collapse, thousands of enslaved workers are attempting to flee.
Seizing this window of chaos, the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security (C02), in coordination with border special forces, has initiated a massive extraction operation.
The Objective: To intercept and rescue Vietnamese citizens who were trafficked into these "digital gulags" and are now caught in the crossfire.
The Stakes: Intelligence suggests that as the syndicates retreat, they may attempt to liquidate "assets"—including hostages held for organ harvesting. Vietnamese special units are operating with high aggression to secure these victims before it is too late.
Diplomatic Warning
In a press briefing held this morning, the Spokesperson for the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs delivered a carefully calibrated message to both Bangkok and Phnom Penh, as well as the watching eyes of the Trump administration in Washington.
"Vietnam unequivocally supports international efforts to eradicate human trafficking and transnational crime. However, we demand that all belligerent parties guarantee the safety of civilians and the victims currently held against their will. Any harm befalling Vietnamese citizens will be met with the strongest possible response."
As artillery thunders just across the border, Vietnam finds itself in a precarious position: holding the line against war while reaching into the fire to save its own people.