The military has built the first section of a permanent border fence along the shared border.Image: www.imago-images.de
July 23, 2026, 05:32July 23, 2026, 05:32
Thailand’s government is taking visible consequences after the serious border clashes with its neighbor Cambodia last year. The military has built the first section of a permanent border fence along the shared border. The 1.3-kilometer-long pilot section in Chanthaburi province consists of reinforced concrete slabs with steel mesh and barbed wire and, according to the army, is intended to increase security at the border, as Thai reporters reported on Wednesday evening after a site visit.
Unclear borderline
There have been several battles between the neighboring states, among other things because of the historically unclear border. Last year, both countries’ armed forces were involved in weeks of fighting that left nearly 150 people dead and displaced hundreds of thousands of residents on both sides of the border. A fragile ceasefire has been in effect since the end of December.
Thailand’s army chief Ukrit Boontanon described the facility as “stable, strong and durable,” according to the Bangkok Post. The concrete slabs have been tested and can withstand small arms fire. The fence will initially be extended by a further seven kilometers.
However, according to the military, there are no plans for a continuous fence along the more than 800 kilometer long border. Each case will be examined individually to see where a solid barrier makes sense. In sections with unclear border lines, temporary barriers made of sharp barbed wire would initially be erected.
What does Cambodia say?
There has recently been a cautious reaction from Cambodia. The government in Phnom Penh said it had no fundamental objection to a border fence on Thai territory. However, the prerequisite is that the facility is not built in areas with unclear ownership claims and that the border has previously been clarified by the joint border commission of both countries. (sda/dpa)