Thai army given authority over checkpoints along border with Cambodia

Following a decision by Thailand’s National Security Council on Friday, Thai Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Pana Klaewplodthuk issued an order today, empowering commanders of the Burapha and Suranaree task forces to open or close border checkpoints along Thai-Cambodian border, for the protection of Thai territorial sovereignty and the safety of the public and their property.

Meanwhile, it is reported that the commander of the Marine Task Force in Chanthaburi province ordered the immigration police to suspend the issuance of border passes today, for crossings in either direction, through the Pong Nam Ron and Khlong Yai checkpoints in Chanthaburi province.

Migrant workers from Cambodia and border traders are not affected.

It is well known that most Thai tourists visit Cambodia to gamble in casinos over the border.

There are 11 permanent and temporary checkpoints along Thai eastern border with Cambodia, in Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Trat, Chanthaburi, Sa Kaeo, Surin and Buri Ram provinces.

In the order, General Pana says that Cambodian troops have, on a number of occasions, intruded into Thai territory and have sung their national anthem, to create an imprison that the land there belongs to Cambodia, or have engaged in provocative acts designed to increase tensions.

He said that, when Thai troops protested against these provocative acts and began negotiations to resolve the conflict, Cambodia responded by boosting its military presence, citing the recent clash in the Chong Bok pass in Ubon Ratchathani province between Thai and Cambodian forces.

General Pana restated Thailand’s commitment to peaceful co-existence with Cambodia and to the use of negotiation to ease tensions, because the peoples of both countries should not be affected.

He added, however, that the military build-up by Cambodia is unacceptable, poses a threat to Thai territorial sovereignty and threatens the safety of those living and working along the border.