RTAF moves to erect temporary 5km border fence
The Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) have begun preparing to build the country’s first temporary border fence along the Thai-Cambodian border to curb illegal cross-border activities.
This follows the National Security Council’s (NSC) approval on Thursday for the construction of the fence.
Maj Gen Vithai Laithomya, RTAF spokesman, said on Friday that the Development Command, through its Mobile Development Unit 12, is working with the 12th Ranger Regiment to erect the fence near Boundary Marker 50–51 at Ban Khok Sabang in Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo.
“The initial stretch will cover 5.1 kilometres and cost 6.5 million baht, funded from the 2025 fiscal year budget,” Maj Gen Vithai said.
“Work on improving access roads has already shortened travel time from an hour to about 30 minutes, making construction easier,” he said.
The fence, expected to be completed in one to two months, will be a reinforced structure of concrete poles strung with two layers of nine-strand barbed wire, standing over two metres tall, he said.
The design of the fence is intended as a “see-through” barrier rather than a traditional territorial demarcation.
Closed-circuit cameras will also be installed along the Prom Hod canal, a known hotspot for cross-border gambling and scam syndicates.
Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, meanwhile, addressed the pending Oct 10 deadline for Cambodian residents to leave Ban Nong Chan in Khok Sung district of Sa Kaeo.
Cambodian media have reported that some villagers refuse to vacate, claiming the land as theirs.
“Thai law will be enforced,” Mr Anutin said while stressing that non-Thai nationals cannot remain illegally in the country.
He also stated that, although multiple laws may apply, enforcement would be carried out with caution and through dialogue.
“This is not about forced expulsions,” he said. “We will use lawful measures while seeking to avoid unnecessary hardship.”
In a further development, Mr Anutin, accompanied by key ministers from the defence, commerce, and digital economy portfolios, visited Surin province on Friday to assess the border security situation and oversee support for local residents. He instructed officials to ensure adequate food, shelter, and assistance for evacuees while tasking the military with maintaining security.
Serving soldiers :Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul joins soldiers of the 21st Infantry Battalion, Suranaree Force, for lunch in Phanom Dong Rak district in Surin on Friday. (Photo: Government House)
Source – Bangkok News
