Bangkok: Army Region 2 has revealed that Cambodian soldiers were involved in the theft of barbed wire from the border area between Chong Rayi and Chong Preo in Kab Choeng District, Surin Province. The Second Army Region issued a public clarification following the release of a video showing Cambodian officials removing concertina wire from the border, which was claimed to be the property of Thai soldiers.

According to Thai News Agency, an investigation by the Second Task Force of the Suranaree Forces confirmed that the incident took place on November 23, 2015. At around 9:00 a.m., the 2101st Ranger Company was in the process of setting up a barbed wire fence to control the area and prevent Cambodian encroachment. The task force received a report that approximately 20 Cambodian soldiers were approaching the site, leading to a temporary suspension of the mission. The deployed force then moved approximately 200 meters from the site to negotiate and assess the situation.

The negotiations lasted about 20 minutes, after which the Cambodian officials withdrew to their area. However, upon returning to the original point, the ranger team discovered that the concertina wire intended for the control line was missing. In response, the unit secured the surrounding area and conducted an inspection for explosives.

The unit has since re-established control of the area, installed new barbed wire, and is prepared to continue its operations. An assessment of the conflict situation suggests the area is at risk of containing landmines and anti-personnel mines (PMN-2), possibly indicating a tactic by the Cambodian military to lure Thai soldiers into a dangerous zone.

The commanders in this incident prioritized the safety of their subordinates, basing their decisions on factual information. The 2nd Army Region emphasized the importance of protecting sovereignty and self-defense, considering it crucial for battlefield survival.