Thai Military Hosts ASEAN Observers at Border Fence Project

The Thai military on Tuesday hosted a delegation of ASEAN observers at the Thai-Cambodian border in Chanthaburi province, where they were briefed on security measures and the progress of a border fence project, reaffirming that the construction complies with international law. The nine-member delegation, comprising representatives from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines accredited to Thailand, was led by Air Vice Marshal Chitphon Korkitsammakul, director of the International Affairs Office at the Defence Intelligence Department. Rear Adm Udom Kulsiripanyo, chief of staff of the Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defence Command, welcomed the group and provided a security briefing. The observers inspected the construction of the border security fence between boundary markers 52 and 59 in Pong Nam Ron district. Thai authorities said the project is more than 45% complete and is intended to strengthen border security and improve border management. Responding to questions over a gap near boundary marker 52, the Chanthaburi Marine Task Force said it was part of the engineering design and had been left open pending decisions by the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Boundary Commission. The opening will later be fitted with a removable panel to facilitate joint inspections of the boundary marker by Thai and Cambodian officials. The military said the project is being carried out transparently, in accordance with international law, and with Cambodian observers present throughout the process. The ASEAN delegation also visited strategic locations along the border to assess measures against transnational crime and border management. The Royal Thai Armed Forces said it remains committed to safeguarding Thailand’s sovereignty while promoting peace and good relations with neighbouring countries in line with ASEAN cooperation.