An observation tower equipped with three CCTV cameras was erected on 18/9 at border marker 50 within the Khlong Luek border checkpoint in Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province.

The first surveillance camera tower on the border with Cambodia, installed by Thailand on 18/9 in Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province. Photo: Royal Thai Army

The tower features a 360-degree rotating camera with optical zoom, alongside two fixed-angle cameras. The cameras operate on both mains electricity and solar power, with a 512 GB memory card capable of storing up to 30 days of data.

Thailand plans to install 29 more security cameras between border markers 50 and 51 in the project's first phase, which the military calls an "electronic fence", before expanding to other demarcated areas.

This first surveillance camera tower represents a significant step in the electronic fence project. The Thai government expects the project to substantially improve surveillance capabilities, response to potential threats, and long-term national security.

The project follows a firefight between Thai and Cambodian soldiers at the border in July. Although a ceasefire was agreed upon, tensions recently resurfaced when Cambodian citizens protested Thailand's plan to erect barbed wire fences in several border villages to prevent incursions.

Thai security forces, primarily border police, clashed with approximately 200 Cambodian citizens and monks on 17/9. 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, while Cambodia identifies it as Prey Chan village in Banteay Meanchey Province.

Thai police allege the Cambodian group attempted to breach the barbed wire fence and confronted border patrol officers, injuring several and prompting the use of tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. Thai officials labeled the Cambodians' actions as "territorial encroachment," calling them "provocative and a violation of the ceasefire."

Meanwhile, Cambodia reported 30 injuries during the clash, including monks, civilians, and Cambodian soldiers, asserting the incident occurred within Cambodian territory.

Vu Hoang (According to Bangkok Post, Nation)