Thai military builds border fence along Cambodian frontier
Thailand is constructing a reinforced concrete and steel fence along its border with Cambodia in Chanthaburi province to bolster security near a permanent crossing, with the first phase expected to finish within 45 days.
CHANTHABURI — The Thai military is constructing a new border fence along part of the Thai-Cambodian frontier in Chanthaburi province, aiming to strengthen border security and improve safety for local residents, according to a security source. The construction is taking place between border markers 52 and 54 in Pong Nam Ron district, covering a distance of about 1,310 metres near a permanent border crossing.
The source said the area is mostly flat terrain with a clearly demarcated boundary. Both Thailand and Cambodia already maintain patrol roads running along the border. The new fence is being built with reinforced concrete foundations and steel mesh, with a total height of about 170 centimetres. Concrete panels measuring around 150 centimetres high are topped with an additional 20 centimetres of steel fencing to improve surveillance and security along the border.
Authorities said around 900 to 1,000 fence posts are being installed at intervals of roughly three metres. The source added that some Cambodian soldiers had monitored and photographed the construction work, but Thai authorities insisted the project is being carried out entirely within Thai territory and falls under Thailand's sovereign right to manage its own border areas. Construction on the first phase began in late April and is expected to be completed within 45 days.
Photos of the fence construction, reportedly taken by Cambodian soldiers, have also been widely shared on Cambodian social media platforms.
