BANGKOK — Thailand’s Supreme Commander Gen. Songwit Noonpackdee voiced strong support on Wednesday for the construction of permanent fences along the Cambodian border to prevent incursions and protect Thai sovereignty, following recent clashes and landmine incidents that have heightened tensions between the two nations.

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Speaking at the Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence Conference in Phetchaburi province—co-hosted by Thailand and the United States—Gen. Songwit emphasized that the proposed barriers would safeguard territorial integrity and civilian safety. The conference, attended by 20 countries but not Cambodia, provided a platform for Thailand to present its perspective on border conflicts to the international community.

The push for fencing focuses on volatile sections of the northeastern border, where Cambodian forces launched attacks during five days of fighting in late July. Gen. Songwit reiterated that Thailand’s actions are defensive and compliant with international law, stating, “We do not want armed conflict but are compelled to protect our sovereignty.”

RTARF has confirmed the construction of the first 10-kilometre section of the Thailand-Cambodia border fence, located at Aranyaprathet, near the Poipet border crossing #ThailandCambodiaBorder #BorderFence #Aranyaprathet #ThailandNews #TheNationhttps://t.co/N4uEjH1WOT

— Thenationthailand (@Thenationth) August 28, 2025

Echoing this stance, former army chief and influential political figure Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan expressed frustration over Tuesday’s landmine explosion in Si Sa Ket, which cost a Thai soldier his foot. Prawit, who claims to have originally proposed border fencing during his tenure as commander of the 1st Army Region, urged accelerated construction in high-risk areas where landmines continue to threaten lives.

Military engineers have been dispatched to survey sites in Sa Kaeo’s Ban Nong Chan—a contested zone recently reinforced with temporary barriers—to plan permanent structural defenses. The initiative has gained urgency as Thailand reports repeated violations of ceasefire agreements and alleged new landmine placements by Cambodian forces.

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The fence proposal has drawn mixed reactions domestically and internationally, with critics questioning its efficacy and impact on bilateral relations. However, Thai military leaders insist physical barriers are necessary to deter future aggression and secure vulnerable communities along the border.

-Thailand News (TN)