The decision was made at the 5th meeting of the armed forces leaders' committee on Tuesday at the Royal Thai Army headquarters in Bangkok. Defense Forces Commander-in-Chief General Songwit Noonphukdi began the meeting by requesting a minute's silence for the 15 soldiers and civilians killed in recent clashes along the border.
Military leaders agreed that all permanent checkpoints and trade crossings should be closed until tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, which they consider a threat to national security, de-escalate.
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The Ban Hat Lek border crossing in Khlong Yai district, Trat province, central Thailand, in June. Photo: Bangkok Post |
The Ban Hat Lek border crossing in Khlong Yai district, Trat province, central Thailand, in June. Photo: Bangkok Post
In addition to closing the border, the generals also agreed to construct a fence along the border with Cambodia in all areas where the two countries have agreed on a boundary line. This will facilitate patrols and continuous monitoring of undefined border areas, and enable the construction of tactical routes along the entire border.
The meeting also approved a new framework for responding to sovereignty violations, based on international Rules of Engagement (ROE), allowing for immediate self-defense in response to any hostile actions or intentions. The decisions are being submitted to the Minister of Defense for approval.
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Thai police lay barbed wire in the border area on 17/9. Photo: AKP |
Thai police lay barbed wire in the border area on 17/9. Photo: AKP
On 17/9, tensions flared again at the Thai-Cambodia border when Thai security forces, mainly border police, clashed with approximately 200 Cambodian civilians and monks.
The clash occurred in a long-disputed area between the two countries, referred to by Thailand as Ban Nong Ya Kaew village in Sa Kaeo province and by Cambodia as Prey Chan village in Banteay Meanchey province.
Thai police reported that the Cambodian group attempted to breach a barbed wire fence and confronted border forces, injuring several officers. They responded with tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. Thai authorities described the Cambodians' actions as "territorial encroachment," "provocative," and a "violation of the ceasefire."
Cambodia reported 30 injuries among monks, civilians, and soldiers, and asserted that the incident occurred on Cambodian territory. Information Minister Neth Pheaktra accused Thailand of violating the ceasefire agreement.
Vu Hoang (Bangkok Post, AFP, Reuters)
