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The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
Thailand grants military control over border checkpoints with Cambodia amid escalating tensions
BANGKOK: Thailand currently has 18 checkpoints with Cambodia across seven provinces — Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Surin, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, Trat, and Buriram. Royal Thai Army (RTA) spokesperson Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree announced on Saturday (June 7) that RTA Commander-in-Chief Gen Pana Klaewblaudtuk had signed Army Order No. 806/2568, authorising the commanders of the Burapha and Suranaree Task Forces to oversee the opening and closing of all border checkpoints along the Thai-Cambodian border. These commanders are empowered to implement appropriate security measures and conditions based on the severity of the situation in their respective jurisdictions. This directive follows a resolution from the National Security Council meeting on June 6, which designated the RTA as the lead agency for safeguarding national security along the border and ensuring full cooperation from all relevant agencies. According to the RTA, the decision was prompted by Cambodia's repeated incursions into Thai territory and increasingly provocative actions, including armed presence and the construction of military fortifications near the border. Despite Thailand's diplomatic efforts and restraint, Cambodia's actions have heightened concerns over national sovereignty and security, prompting the Thai military to adopt stronger defensive measures. Thailand currently has 18 checkpoints with Cambodia across seven provinces—Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Surin, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, Trat, and Buriram—comprising: 8 permanent checkpoints, including: - Chong Sa Ngam (Sisaket) - Chong Chom (Surin) - Ban Khlong Luek (Sa Kaeo) - Ban Khao Din (Sa Kaeo) - Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge (Sa Kaeo) - Ban Laem (Chanthaburi) - Ban Phak Kard (Chanthaburi) - Ban Hat Lek (Trat) 9 temporary checkpoints, including: - Ban Nam Yuen (Ubon Ratchathani) - Ban Ta Phraya (Sa Kaeo) - Ban Nong Prue (Sa Kaeo) - Ban Subtari (Chanthaburi) - Ban Suan Som (Chanthaburi) - Ban Bueng Chanang Lang (Chanthaburi) - Ban Muen Dan (Trat) - Ban Ma Muang (Trat) - Chong Sai Taku (Buriram) 1 tourist access point: - Khao Phra Wihan's Entrance (Sisaket) Currently closed checkpoints: - Ban Muen Dan (Trat) – Closed due to inactivity and no cross-border trade - Khao Phra Wihan's Entrance (Sisaket) – Closed for security reasons As of now, 16 border checkpoints remain open while 2 are closed. The Thai military continues to monitor the situation closely and is prepared to act decisively to protect national sovereignty and public safety. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
30-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Cambodia will retain military presence at scene of armed clash
Cambodian and Thai military officers shake hands ahead of urgent discussions aimed at cooling tensions on the shared border. - FB via PPP/ANN PHNOM PENH: Cambodia will not retreat nor remain unarmed at the site of the May 28 exchange of fire in Preah Vihear province's Choam Ksan district, which left one Cambodian soldier dead. The Kingdom's position was made clear, in a Royal Cambodian Armed forces (RCAF) statement, released soon after the conclusion of talks between Lieutenant General Mao Sophan, Commander of the Cambodian Army, and Thailand's Lieutenant General Pana Klaewblaudtuk. 'The Cambodian side will neither retreat nor remain unarmed at the site of the clash, as Cambodian forces have been stationed there prior to the signing of the 2000 memorandum of understanding on the survey and demarcation of the Cambodia-Thailand land border,' said an RCAF press release. It explained that both parties agreed to continue resolving the situation through existing mechanisms, such as the Joint Boundary Committee (JBC), the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) and the 2000 MoU, to ensure the border area became one of peace, friendship, cooperation and development. 'Both parties will maintain the status quo, exercise restraint, and address issues through the JBC, with a meeting scheduled within the next two to three weeks to preserve good relations between the two countries,' it added. The Cambodian side urged mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasising the need to avoid further hostilities, like those that took place on the morning of May 28. 'Both parties agreed to the above points, and the negotiations concluded at 4.15pm on the same day,' said the release. - Phnom Penh Post/ANN
