Pictures courtesy of Amarin

The Burapha Task Force has dismantled buildings belonging to a Cambodian local strongman at Ban Nong Chan in Sa Kaeo province, marking the successful recovery of the disputed area and restoring full Thai control. The operation, carried out on 30 December 2025 and reported on 31 December 2025, immediately cleared unauthorised structures and reaffirmed Thailand’s sovereignty over the land. Authorities described the action as a symbolic New Year gesture to Thai citizens, particularly local residents awaiting the return of their farmland.

The structures removed belonged to Kamnan Lee, identified as a Cambodian influential figure. He had previously been accused of encroaching on Thai sovereign territory by constructing buildings on land used for farming by Thai villagers. The demolition followed the previous confrontations in the area, during which the Burapha Task Force secured complete control of Ban Nong Chan.

In the lead-up to the operation, the task force had intensified its presence in the border area, including engineering work such as installing container structures and enforcing security measures. Following the stabilisation of the situation, restrictions including a curfew in four districts of Sa Kaeo province were lifted, effective from the same period. These steps indicated that authorities considered the security situation sufficiently under control to proceed with dismantling unauthorised buildings.

Officials stated that the removal of the structures was conducted to prepare the land for its eventual return to local residents for lawful use. The task force emphasised that the action demonstrated a firm commitment to protecting national sovereignty and preventing future encroachment. For residents of Ban Nong Chan, the operation signalled progress towards regaining access to land they had long claimed as their own.

The implications of the operation extend beyond the immediate area, reinforcing Thailand’s stance on territorial integrity along sensitive border zones. By reclaiming and clearing the land, authorities aimed to set a clear precedent against unauthorised occupation and to reassure communities living near the border. The move was also presented as a confidence-building measure for the public at the end of the year.

Amarin reported that officials indicated that the cleared land would be managed to ensure it is returned to villagers in accordance with the law. Security forces are expected to maintain oversight of the area to prevent renewed encroachment. Further coordination with local authorities will focus on long-term land use and stability for the community.

Key Takeaways

• The Burapha Task Force dismantled unauthorised buildings at Ban Nong Chan on 30 December 2025 after regaining full control of the area.

• The structures belonged to Kamnan Lee, accused of encroaching on Thai sovereign land used by local farmers.

• Authorities plan to return the reclaimed land to villagers for lawful use while maintaining border security.

 Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2026-01-01

 

Why couldn't the buildings be repurposed?

Why couldn't the buildings be repurposed? I think they are making a statement but in saying that, to we visitors, the exact border location is confusing. According to "Google Earth" this property is 150 Metres on the Cambodian side.

1 hour ago, bdenner said:

Why couldn't the buildings be repurposed? I think they are making a statement but in saying that, to we visitors, the exact border location is confusing. According to "Google Earth" this property is 150 Metres on the Cambodian side.

What a tangled web.........

It is time that the UN is stopping these land thieves

so the ceasefire is over then?