Maj Gen Vithai Laithomya said that the RTAF has selected a 14-kilometre stretch between boundary markers 50 and 51 in Aranyaprathet district as the initial segment for the permanent wall. The area was chosen because it is not disputed territory, with Promhod canal and the Sisophon River marking natural boundaries, reports the Bangkok Post.
This decision follows a survey conducted by Gen Manas Jundee, the RTAF chief-of-staff, who led a delegation to assess potential locations in Aranyaprathet on Thursday.
The RTAF spokesman indicated that construction is contingent upon NSC approval, which is anticipated soon. The military is prepared to commence building within this year, citing no issues with the budget.
Thailand plans to extend the border wall along its entire boundary with Cambodia, starting with the areas already demarcated following recent armed conflicts.
Maj Gen Vithai insisted that this project marks the beginning of a comprehensive barrier along the Thai-Cambodian border, aiming to prevent incursions, security threats and enhance safety in border regions.
In disputed zones, Thailand will build three layers of barbed wire as temporary barriers, complemented by strategic roads and possibly security cameras, according to Maj Gen Vithai.
Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned on Thursday that constructing structures in contested areas could worsen tensions between the two countries.
The recent conflicts resulted in the deaths of 14 Thai civilians and 18 soldiers.
Thailand has previously built border walls in some locations along its border with Malaysia to combat cross-border crimes.
Peacekeeping declaration
The Burapha Task Force declared Ban Nong Chan in Khok Sung district, Sa Kaeo, a peacekeeping zone on Thursday after the border village was encroached upon by Cambodians protesting Thailand’s temporary barrier. Locals confronted each other, defending Thailand’s right to install the barrier.
Maj Gen Benchapol Dechatiwong na Ayutthaya, commander of the Burapha Task Force, signed the directive emphasising that the peacekeeping zone is essential for ensuring Thai safety from threats emanating from Cambodia.
Khok Sung is among seven districts in Sa Kaeo under martial law, granting the military authority over security matters.
The peacekeeping zone bans:
- Weapons and firearm replicas
- Photo shoots at military bases
- Attempts to block roads obstructing authorities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Loudspeakers without prior authorisation.