Close encounter at Chong Bok border crossing raises tensions

Tension at the Thai-Cambodian border at Chong Bok border pass in Nam Yuen district of the northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani heightened yesterday, following as close encounter between Thai and Cambodian troops.

Thailand’s Second Army Region reported that, as Thai troops were reinforcing their bunker and erecting barbed wire fencing on Thai territory on Wednesday near the Chong Bok border crossing, about 20 Cambodian soldiers approached them to protest and tried to interrupt the construction work.

The Thai troops did not move, however, and carried on with the work, said the Second Army Region, adding that the Thai troops had exercised extreme restraint to avoid violence until the work was accomplished.

Troops of both sides are still positioned at the border there, but within their respective territories.

Meanwhile, at the Sa-ngam official border crossing point in Si Sa Ket province, the Second Army Region reported that some abandoned casino buildings, which were partially damaged by Thai troops during the fighting in December last year, have been reactivated by Chinese-run scam gangs.

A few hotels remain operational to accommodate senior Cambodian troops, who occasionally arrive there to attend meetings with their Thai counterparts, according the Thai army report.

Currently the Sa-ngam border crossing point remains closed and Thai people are prohibited from being there. Business, which used to be robust, has now slowed to a standstill as most shops are closed.