Bangkok: Building a border fence requires consultation from all parties, emphasizing safety. Army Commander Teng reiterated that the construction of a border fence requires consultation with all parties, emphasizing safety and adhering to mutual terms and conditions. He declared that the army is ready to do anything beneficial, stating that the Chong Chom area was merely an original proposal to be used as a memorial for the 75th anniversary of Thailand and Cambodia. He added that the decision to construct the fence would require further discussion.
According to Thai News Agency, Lieutenant General Wirayut Raksin, Commander of the Second Army Region, gave an interview regarding the proposed border fence construction in the Second Army Region, which the Army Region had proposed to the Royal Thai Army to determine where to build it first. He stated that within the Second Army Region’s area of responsibility, there are areas where the border has already been established, including all 29 markers. However, there are still disagreements in some areas. Therefore, it is necessary to determine which areas can be agreed upon for construction, such as the Chong Chom area. There is one area that needs to be built to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Thailand-Cambodia relations. As for when the project will begin, the Army will discuss it with the government. The Army is ready to proceed wherever it finds benefits.
Regarding the Prime Minister’s delegation of authority to the military to carry out its duties, Lt. Gen. Wira Yut stated that, in any case, the military and the government must integrate together. Any construction must be discussed.
As for whether building a fence along the border would violate the ceasefire agreement, Lt. Gen. Wirayut stated that in areas where construction is not possible, construction is not necessary. Safety, conditions, and mutual agreements must be considered. Everything must be done in a step-by-step manner, and the army is happy to do so. Ultimately, the decision to build or not build depends on discussions with all parties and mutual approval.
Reporters reiterated the question of whether the Chong Chom area would be the first area to be built for a border fence. Lieutenant General Wirayut stated that he had previously only seen proposals and that it was an area where it had been mutually agreed upon to be built on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Thai-Cambodian relations. However, whether or not to build it would depend on further discussions.