Picture courtesy of กองบัญชาการกองทัพไทย Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters Facebook

 

In a decisive move to address long-standing border tensions, the Ad Hoc Centre for the Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation has sanctioned the construction of a 16-kilometre fence along a contested border region. This fence will stretch from Baan Nong Chan to Baan Nong Ya Kaew in Sa Kaeo province, marking a significant step in strengthening security measures.

 

Sa Kaeo's governor, at the helm of this bold initiative, outlined the plan in a meeting that saw Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, acting as the centre’s spokesperson, emphasise its necessity. This fence is designed to enhance border security and protect local residents following reports of Cambodians encroaching on Thai forest land. It will be strategically placed across the 50th and 51st border markers.

 

The situation in Baan Nong Chan has escalated recently, becoming a hotspot of conflict. Tensions flared as Thai villagers clashed with Cambodian settlers. The settlers protested when the Thai military erected barbed wire around the village. Thailand argues that the area was originally set aside as a refugee camp for those escaping the Cambodian conflict in the 1970s, and it has been home to refugees and their descendants ever since.

 

Rear Admiral Surasant also highlighted plans to investigate land rights in this troubled region. Cambodian nationals found trespassing on forest lands may face charges under the Forest Act.

 

In a related development, ASEAN military observers visited the Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defence Command earlier this week. The collected information is expected to aid the Interim Observer Team in making fair assessments of on-ground realities, according to Rear Admiral Surasant.

 

As preparations continue for the upcoming General Border Committee meeting, slated for 7th to 10th September in Koh Kong, Cambodia, anticipation builds. A press briefing is scheduled to occur in Trat, Thailand, offering further insights into ongoing discussions.

 

In another update, Acting Defence Minister General Nattaphon Narkphanit reassured the public that potential political changes in Thailand, including the possible dissolution of Parliament, would not affect the border situation with Cambodia. He affirmed that the Ministry of Defence Organisation Act empowers the supreme commander-in-chief and their subordinates to manage and maintain stability.

 

When asked about the possibility of Cambodia capitalising on Thailand’s political uncertainties, General Nattaphon maintained that stability prevails, with border forces remaining vigilant and well-prepared.

 

This series of events underscores the complexities and sensitivities involved in the Thai-Cambodian border relations. As both countries navigate these challenging issues, the focus remains on maintaining peace and security in the region, ensuring that both Thai citizens and Cambodian settlers are adequately protected and respected.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-09-04

 

 

Post using a derogatory term removed & reply also.

 

@Gottfrid

 

Do not post defamatory, offensive, or discriminatory content.

Ok, thank you for telling me @Bacon1 I will try to remember that.

Let´s rephrase: Hopefully the much appreciated fence in question will keep the instigators out, and keep the peace that Thailand so much are searching for. That will mean we have the people who don´t belong to Thailand outside, and feel the need to go in and out using regular borders with a passport as regular and sane individuals.

Hope to stay friends with your neighbours

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Cambodian nationals found trespassing on forest lands may face charges under the Forest Act.

 And THAI officials/military found trespassing on Cambodian land WILL BE ARRESTED and held captive until  all the Khmer soldiers being held in captivity in Thailand are released!

Sadly the budget didn't hold up to a Trump style Mexican Border Fence, so they tangled up some string in some thorny bushes instead.