Thai - Cambodia Conflict Royal Thai Marines Deploy Heavy Weapons to Trat Border Amid Escalating Tensions

[Georgealbert]

 

Restricted picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

In response to intensifying armed clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border in the northeastern provinces of Surin and Sisaket, the Royal Thai Navy has bolstered its military presence in Trat province, mobilising troops and heavy weaponry to reinforce border security.

 

On the morning of 24 July, a high-level emergency meeting was convened at the Royal Thai Marine Task Force Headquarters in Trat. The provincial security command summoned military leaders and local administrative officials, including district chiefs from border areas, to evaluate the evolving security situation and formulate coordinated response strategies.

 

The military build-up covers critical border zones in Bo Rai District, specifically its three border-adjacent sub-districts, as well as four sub-districts in Mueang Trat and three in Khlong Yai. Troop deployments include Marine Ranger Control Unit 1 in Bo Rai, Unit 3 in Ban Khao Lan, Mueang District, and Task Force 182 in Ban Hat Lek, Khlong Yai. All units are now on heightened alert and under orders to respond immediately to any escalation.

 

In a show of civilian support for defence preparations, Mr Kittiphong Yoolao, Mayor of Nong Samed Subdistrict Municipality and an alumnus of Uthenthawai College, oversaw the donation of student-constructed concrete bunkers to local municipalities in Bo Rai. These are to be installed along strategic points, with further reinforcements expected in the coming days.

 

Meanwhile, Ms. Kitprapha Prasitwet, Mayor of Hat Lek Subdistrict and owner of the S. Kridtarawan shipping terminal, expressed concern over the impact on cross-border maritime trade. While commerce has thus far continued as normal, the deteriorating security landscape has raised fears of an imminent closure. “Should the authorities issue a suspension of trade, we will comply, but it will inevitably affect our income,” she said.

 

By 9:00 a.m., Royal Thai Marine Task Force 182 ordered the full closure of the permanent checkpoint at Ban Hat Lek, halting all cross-border travel. Just two hours later, between 30 and 40 Cambodian students studying in Thai border schools were repatriated through the closed checkpoint, escorted by officials following the morning’s clashes.

 

Though the land border remains sealed, limited sea trade continues. However, exporters must now liaise directly with their Cambodian counterparts to determine if goods can still be received safely on the other side.

 

As the Thai-Cambodian border situation remains volatile, both military and civilian stakeholders in Trat remain on edge, preparing for the possibility of further escalation and broader regional impact.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-07-25

 

 

 

[hotchilli]

Eventually sense will prevail when both sides realise how much trade and tourism plus workers are being lost.

[PETERTHEEATER]

Wow. Student made concrete bunkers, portable too. "Give us everything you got Johnny Khmer we can take it"

[black tabby12345]

3 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Eventually sense will prevail when both sides realise how much trade and tourism plus workers are being lost.

 

It is the war without any real victor.

Both sides only lose what they have now/can gain otherwise.

Hope things turn out to be better though.

[wensiensheng]

All over a patch of waste land with next to nothing in it. What is the point?

[hotchilli]

9 hours ago, wensiensheng said:

All over a patch of waste land with next to nothing in it. What is the point?

Face...