Chanthaburi: The much-anticipated Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting between Thailand and Cambodia in Chanthaburi Province has faced unexpected delays, with the official announcement of the meeting’s results originally scheduled for 6:00 PM yet to be made. Media outlets continue to monitor the venue, eagerly awaiting the release of the official outcomes.
According to Thai News Agency, today’s JBC meeting featured a crucial agenda that centered around the Ban Nong Chan, Nong Ya Kaeo, Sa Kaeo Province case, a matter of significant interest to the Thai public. The area, recently vacated by Cambodians, falls under Thai sovereignty. By addressing this issue at the JBC meeting, Thailand intends to demonstrate transparency in its actions and ensure Cambodia is informed.
The second agenda item involved Thailand’s plans to inform Cambodia about the construction of a border fence along markers 52-59 in Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province. Spanning 8.4 kilometers, the fence construction will commence from markers 52-54. The fence will stand 3.5 meters tall, constructed with prestressed concrete at the base, galvanized steel mesh, alu-zinc in the upper section, and topped with concertina wire. Additionally, a 5-meter-wide dirt road for patrol purposes will be built, supported by the “Hathai Thip Fund” under the Chulabhorn Foundation.
The Royal Thai Navy, in collaboration with the Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defense Command, the Marine Corps Task Force, and community leaders in Thep Nimit Subdistrict, Pong Nam Ron District, have conducted surveys of the Thai-Cambodian border markers in preparation for the initial construction of the permanent border fence.
LiDAR technology is under consideration as a tool to gain acceptance from both countries for surveying the disputed Thai-Cambodian border. The technology, which uses laser light to create 3D models of terrain, offers the advantage of penetrating forest cover to reveal the true topography, aiding in the identification of watersheds and demarcation of natural boundaries. This approach aligns with international standards, providing a more accurate representation than traditional map scales.