Navy Defends Border Base Upgrades Against Criticism
Thailand's navy defended upgrades to border bases in Chanthaburi and Trat following July clashes, saying improvements include facilities and fortifications designed to enhance personnel safety and national defence readiness across varied te
On August 4, 2569, Rear Admiral Nara Kunathot, Deputy Defence Ministry Spokesperson and Assistant Navy Spokesman, addressed the circulation of images and information about fortification construction in Chanthaburi and Trat border areas on social media. The Royal Thai Navy clarified that following border clashes in July 2568, the Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defence Command received budget allocation to upgrade operational bases and strengthen unit readiness in response to security conditions and assigned missions.
The operational base improvements encompass multiple components including office buildings, troop quarters, fortifications and bunkers, obstacles, and essential utilities and infrastructure needed for mission operations—not bunker construction alone as some reports suggested. The format and details of base upgrades vary across different areas according to terrain characteristics, troop positioning, mission type, and threat assessment for each zone, designed to suit military operations and protect personnel with maximum efficiency.
Some images circulated on social media were captured at a single location during a specific period and do not represent the complete project or current condition of all operational bases. The Navy reaffirmed that developing border operational bases and fortifications is an ongoing necessity to enhance safety for personnel, strengthen national defence readiness, and prepare for potential future security situations. Operations will continue based on ongoing assessment of conditions and military requirements in each area to enable forces to effectively protect sovereignty and national interests.
The Navy requested media and public cooperation in avoiding disclosure of images, details, or information regarding the location, characteristics, and capabilities of military operational bases and fortifications, as such disclosure could impact troop positioning, mission operations, national security, and personnel safety along the border.
