Thailand is set to construct its first permanent border fence with Cambodia this year, the Royal Thai Army (RTA) has confirmed. The project will start near Aranyaprathet to address ongoing security issues along the shared boundary.
The planned 10-kilometre fence will run close to boundary markers 50 and 51 in Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo province, following a joint agreement between Thailand and Cambodia. Construction is expected to begin this year, pending approval from the National Security Council (NSC).
On August 28, General Manas Chandee, Chief of Staff of the RTA, led a survey of the terrain from markers 48 to 51, covering Ban Pa Rai to Ban Tha Kham. The inspection aimed to evaluate the groundwork for the new barrier, which will stretch approximately 10 kilometres near the busy Poipet crossing.
While the section near Aranyaprathet has been mutually agreed upon, other stretches of the border remain disputed. In these areas, the RTA plans to install temporary defenses, including a road along the border, a triple-layer concertina wire fence, and CCTV coverage where possible. The measures aim to improve troop mobility, strengthen patrols, and provide a physical barrier against illegal crossings.
Major General Wanchana Sawasdee, Deputy Spokesperson for the RTA, said the initiative responds directly to public concerns.
“We aim to safeguard the country while addressing issues such as scams, call center gangs, and human trafficking,” he said.
Officials believe that clearing forests and securing natural crossing points will make it far harder for criminals to operate. They also assured the public that funding is in place and construction will begin immediately once the NSC grants approval.
Local communities who may be affected will be consulted, but authorities are confident residents will support the project in the interest of national security, according to The Nation and Sorayuth Suthassanachinda’s Facebook page.
In a display of public backing, some citizens have proposed crowdfunding the project. While appreciative, officials noted that any public contributions would need legal approval.
The RTA emphasized that the initiative is more than just marking borders—it is a clear statement that Thailand’s boundaries will no longer serve as open grounds for scammers and smugglers.
