The newly appointed Second Army Region Commander has assured Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, during his visit to the border province of Surin, that security operations and measures to protect the border are in place and effective.
Surin was among the flashpoints during the border fighting with Cambodia in July. Buildings, hospitals and houses were damaged by artillery shells from Cambodia, and hundreds of local residents were evacuated to shelters.
Maj Gen Weerayuth Raksilp, who assumed the position on September 1, welcomed Anutin to the Suranaree Task Force headquarters on his first field visit since taking office. Maj Gen Sompop Parawet, Commander of the Suranaree Task Force, whose jurisdiction covers Surin, Buri Ram, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani, was also present at the briefing.
Weerayuth outlined current efforts to maintain national security along the border, particularly in areas prone to conflict and illegal activity.
He noted that, while the border with Laos faces issues, such as sandbar formation in the Mekong River and increased drug trafficking, the Thai-Cambodian border continues to face additional challenges, including unresolved territorial disputes and illegal logging.
Tensions along the border have previously led to armed clashes, prompting the need for a reinforced military presence.
In response, he said that the army has deployed forces at strategic points, enhanced surveillance, strengthened defensive outposts and cleared minefields to improve safety.
After the briefing, Prime Minister Anutin signed the task force’s guest book, offering encouragement to the troops. He wrote:
“Sending encouragement and blessings to all soldiers defending the sovereignty of the nation. May you achieve victory and be safe from all dangers. With deep respect and sincere gratitude.”
He later helped to distribute care packages, including rice, eggs, cooking oil and instant noodles, to frontline soldiers.
Accompanying Anutin were Defence Minister Gen. Natthaphong Nakpanich, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun and Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob.
