Border conflict: Thailand begins building a border fence with Cambodia

Thailand has initiated the construction of a permanent border fence along its frontier with Cambodia, erecting the first 1.3-kilometer section in the Chanthaburi province. This pilot phase is situated in an area where territorial claims are not disputed, according to Thai military officials.

Army Chief Ukrit Boontanon described the structure as "stable, strong, and durable," noting that the reinforced concrete slabs have undergone testing and can resist small arms fire. The initial segment is planned to be extended by over seven kilometers. However, the military clarified that a continuous fence along the entire 800-kilometer border is not envisioned, with decisions on barrier placement to be made on a case-by-case basis.

This construction follows weeks of intense fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces late last year, which resulted in nearly 150 deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands on both sides. A fragile ceasefire has been in place since December. The conflict stems from unclear border demarcations drawn by former colonial power France in 1907, leaving significant portions of the border unresolved.

Cambodia has responded cautiously to the fence construction. The government in Phnom Penh stated it has no fundamental objection to a fence on Thai territory, provided it is not built in areas with unclear ownership and that the border commission has resolved the demarcation issues. Provisional barriers of sharp barbed wire will be used in sections where the border remains contested.