The decision was made during the fifth meeting of the committee of armed forces chiefs held at the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters in Bangkok yesterday (Sept 19), reports the Bangkok Post.
The meeting was attended by both serving and new commanders of the armed forces, who all voted uniformly to close all Thai-Cambodian border checkpoints indefinitely.
The chiefs agreed that all permanent checkpoints and trade crossings should remain shut down until a de-escalation of the situation between Thailand and Cambodia, which they deemed a threat to national security.
Gen Songwit Noonphukdi, Chief of the Defence Forces, began the meeting by asking all attendees to observe a moment of silence for 15 soldiers and civilians who perished in recent clashes along the border.
In addition to the decision to close the border, two other significant conclusions were reached regarding the construction of a border fence and the revision of rules of engagement with Cambodia.
It was determined that fencing would be put up in all areas where the border line is mutually agreed upon by both countries, for continuous patrols and surveillance to take place in border areas where territory has yet to be agreed upon, and for the construction of tactical roads along the entire border.
The committee also approved a new framework for responding to violations of Thailand’s sovereignty. The new framework will be based on international Rules of Engagement (ROE), which allow for immediate self-defence operations upon detection of any hostile act or intent.
The decisions have been submitted to the defence minister for approval. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s new Cabinet, approved by His Majesty the King, includes Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit as Defence Minister and his deputy, Lt Gen Adul Boonthamchareon.
Yesterda, the Thai army put up the first pole equipped with three CCTVs near the main checkpoint to Cambodia to boost border security in the wake of the deadly skirmishes between the two countries.