The T-50 family is produced by Korea Aerospace Industries and has been exported to several countries, including Thailand.Dozens of demonstrators gathered near the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan District, holding placards and chanting slogans condemning what they described as the “misuse of Korean weapons” in an attack on Cambodian territory.

Organizers submitted a petition to the Ministry of National Defense calling for a review of South Korea’s defense exports and stricter controls to prevent their use in cross-border attacks.

The protesters alleged that Thailand deployed T-50TH Golden Eagle aircraft—variants of the T-50 trainer/light combat jet exported by South Korea—to carry out the strikes. The T-50 family is produced by Korea Aerospace Industries and has been exported to several countries, including Thailand.

Participants said they were alarmed to learn that weapons manufactured in South Korea could be used against civilians or in territorial disputes. “We came to Korea seeking peace and opportunity,” one protester said. “It is painful to see Korean-made aircraft used to bomb our homeland.” 

Thai and Cambodian authorities have exchanged accusations over recent incidents along their shared border, which flared into brief clashes earlier this month before a ceasefire was announced. Bangkok has not publicly confirmed the specific platforms used in the operations, while Seoul has said it is monitoring the situation closely. 

South Korea’s defense ministry has not acknowledged any wrongdoing, emphasizing that arms exports are conducted under strict government-to-government agreements and that end-use is the responsibility of the purchasing nation. Analysts note, however, that the episode underscores growing international scrutiny of arms-exporting countries and the challenges of ensuring end-use compliance amid regional conflicts.

The protest remained peaceful, with police estimating attendance at under 100 people. Organizers said they plan further outreach to lawmakers and civil society groups to raise awareness of what they call an urgent humanitarian and ethical issue tied to global arms transfers.

K-DEFENSE NEWS | Strategic Analysis Desk

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