Bangkok: Thailand’s navy chief has ordered an operation to reclaim all Thai territory along the Cambodian border in Chanthaburi and Trat provinces, vowing not to surrender “even an inch” of land.

According to Thai News Agency, the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has confirmed it will proceed with constructing a border fence between boundary markers 52 and 58. This measure has been approved by the national security council and agreed upon by both countries in that specific section.

RTN spokesperson Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiphan highlighted that the fence is crucial for security, aiming to halt cross-border crime, drug trafficking, and illegal immigration.

Simultaneously, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed foreign mediation in the border dispute, mentioning that while he appreciated the intent of figures like US President Donald Trump, he would only permit talks if Cambodia first met four strict preconditions: the withdrawal of all military forces, removal of landmines and weapons, departure of all encroachers, and verification that all threats to Thailand have been removed.

Separately, security remains a primary concern, with the Burapha Force conducting drone surveillance ahead of an October 10 deadline set by the Sa Kaeo governor for Cambodian nationals encroaching on Thai territory to leave the area. Officials are currently on high alert despite finding no mass concentrations of people yesterday.