Thailand selects boundary location for initial barbed wire barrier with Cambodia

In a move aimed at enhancing security and preventing illegal border crossings, the Thai military has announced the construction of a barbed wire fence along its border with Cambodia in Sa Kaeo province.

The decision to build the fence follows a survey conducted by Gen Manas Jundee, the RTAF chief-of-staff, and was made due to encroachment by Cambodians protesting Thailand's temporary barrier. The initial segment for the fence will be a 14-kilometer stretch between boundary markers 50 and 51 in Aranyaprathet district.

Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has warned that constructing structures in contested areas could worsen tensions between the two countries. However, the chosen area for the fence is not disputed territory, with the Promhod canal and the Sisophon River marking natural boundaries.

The border village of Ban Nong Chan in Khok Sung district, Sa Kaeo, has been declared a peacekeeping zone. The peacekeeping zone, essential for ensuring Thai safety from threats emanating from Cambodia, was declared by the Burapha Task Force on Thursday. The zone bans weapons, firearm replicas, photo shoots at military bases, attempts to block roads, alcoholic beverages, and loudspeakers without prior authorisation.

Locals in the area have confronted each other, defending Thailand's right to install the barrier. Khok Sung district is under martial law, granting the military authority over security matters. Maj Gen Benchapol Dechatiwong na Ayutthaya, commander of the Burapha Task Force, signed the directive for the peacekeeping zone.

The fence will be a comprehensive barrier aiming to prevent incursions, security threats, and enhance safety in border regions. Construction is contingent upon approval from the National Security Council (NSC). Thailand plans to extend the border fence along its entire boundary with Cambodia in the future.

The Thai military announced the construction of this wire fence barrier to prevent illegal border crossings and enhance security. In disputed zones, Thailand will build three layers of barbed wire as temporary barriers, complemented by strategic roads and possibly security cameras. However, Acting Prime Minister Wechayachai has cautioned that constructing structures in contested areas could worsen tensions between the two countries.