SA KAEO — Tensions flared along the Thai-Cambodian border on Thursday after illegal Cambodian settlers dismantled three official notice boards warning them to vacate Thai territory or face legal consequences. The signs, installed yesterday by Thai officials and border troops in Bang Nong Chan village, were written in Thai, English, and Cambodian and included maps clearly demarcating the border.

Thai Soldier Injured as Cambodian Protesters Dismantle Border Fence in Sa Kaeo

The notices outlined severe penalties for trespassing: up to five years imprisonment and/or a 50,000-baht fine for encroaching on national forest land, with harsher punishments for larger violations. Illegal entry under immigration law carries a two-year prison term and fines up to 20,000 baht.

In response to the destruction, the Thai army deployed additional troops and border patrol police to maintain order but instructed them to avoid confrontation. Sa Kaeo Governor Prinya Pothisat has formally notified his counterpart in Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province, urging cooperation to relocate settlers and citing MOU 43, which recognizes the area as Thai territory.

ชาวบ้านกัมพูชาคว้าท่อนไม้ผลักอกไล่ทหารไทย! บุกอ้างสิทธิ์พื้นที่เป็นของกัมพูชาอย่างต่อเนื่อง ด้าน ทหารไทยยังคงยืดหยัดปกป้องแผ่นดินไทยต่อไป#ทหารกัมพูชา #ทหารไทย #ชายแดนไทยกัมพูชา #สระแก้ว #คลิปโซเชียล #ไทยรัฐทีวี32 pic.twitter.com/9FY3S29Isl

— ThairathTV (@Thairath_TV) September 4, 2025

The villages of Ban Nong Chan (135 houses) and Ban Nong Ya Kaew (35 houses) have been occupied for decades by Cambodians who fled war and never returned. Thailand had previously tolerated their presence until recent border clashes in July prompted the army to erect barbed wire fencing and reclaim the land.

Border Clashes Disrupt Rail Services in Sa Kaeo as Tensions Escalate

The situation remains volatile, with both sides asserting sovereignty. Authorities continue to seek a diplomatic resolution while reinforcing border security to prevent further escalation.

-Thailand News (TN)