Cambodian Nationals Cross Red Line to Conduct Agriculture on Thai Territory

Cambodian nationals crossed the red line demarcation to prepare agricultural activities on Thai soil, prompting Thai military to intervene and clarify border boundaries to Cambodian forces using GPS coordinates. On May 17, the Regional Command Center 1 received reports from Eastern Forces that Cambodians brought tractors to prepare farming in the area between markers 42-44 in Ban Ang Sila, Non Mak Mun subdistrict, Kok Sung district, Sakaeo province. The 12th Ranger Control Unit discovered Cambodian villagers plowing fields beyond the red line (outside the jointly claimed area) and encroaching into Thai territory, with Cambodian military personnel also present. Thai ranger units engaged in negotiations, using GPS to show Cambodian forces the exact coordinates of the red line and blue line boundaries, explaining that the Cambodian farmers were violating MOU 43 by conducting activities in the jointly claimed area and crossing into undisputed Thai sovereignty. Thai forces requested that all related activities in the disputed zone be halted. Following negotiations, Cambodian authorities agreed to suspend and cease the agricultural operations until clear international border agreements are finalized. Thai officials also briefed local residents affected by the situation and coordinated with the Border Command for further survey work to proceed with official border demarcation.