BANGKOK, Thailand – The Royal Thai Armed Forces has approved the initial phase of constructing a permanent border fence along the Thai-Cambodian border, starting at boundary markers 50 and 51 in Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province. The stretch will cover approximately 10 kilometers, and the project is expected to make tangible progress within this year.
General Manas Chandi, Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, led officials on a survey of the border area from markers 48 to 51, covering the villages of Ban Pa Rai to Ban Tha Kham in Aranyaprathet District. According to General Manas Chandi, the primary purpose of this preliminary survey was to prepare for the construction of a border fence. Both Thailand and Cambodia have agreed on the border alignment at markers 50 and 51, making this location suitable for a permanent fence as the first site.
In other areas along the border where territorial claims remain unresolved, temporary fencing will be erected by building an access road alongside the border and installing triple-layer concertina wire, complemented by surveillance cameras where feasible. These measures are expected to facilitate troop movements, enhance patrol operations, and prevent illegal border crossings through natural routes. Authorities also believe the fence will deter activities such as call center scams and scammer operations.
Construction will commence immediately after obtaining approval from the National Security Council, and there are no reported budgetary obstacles. Officials are confident that the fence construction at the Thai-Cambodian border can begin within this year. Further discussions will be held to inform and clarify details to local communities along the border, some of whom may be affected by the project. However, officials believe residents are willing to make sacrifices for broader national security.
Major General Wanchana Sawasdee, Director of the Security Affairs Coordination Office of the Internal Security Operations Command, stated that the initiative to construct the fence along the Thai-Cambodian border arose from public demand. He thanked the public for their willingness to contribute financially, although any potential legal mechanisms to facilitate public participation would need to be carefully considered. (NNT)
