The Thai Army maintains that Thailand holds sovereign rights over the Chong An Mah area in Ubon Ratchathani province.
In the past, Cambodia had encroached upon the area, setting up markets and shelters, despite numerous formal protests at all levels from the Thai side, Thai Army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree said.
The Thai Army has now reasserted full control over the area. Razor wire has been installed around the area.
On August 4, Cambodia’s defence ministry accused the Thai Army of deploying armed forces and military equipment to the area, which it claims belongs to Cambodia.
It also alleged that the Thai Army's actions occurred after the official implementation of the ceasefire agreement, signed on July 28th in Malaysia, further claiming that the Thai side conducted patrols and had clearly encroached upon the area.
Winthai stated, however, that since the area is located within Thai territory and is now under the control of the Thai Army, machinery has been used to clear the area of landmines, which may have been clandestinely planted by Cambodian forces.
The goal is to ensure safe force deployment, maintain territorial control and maintain Thai sovereignty, in accordance with Thailand's operational guidelines.
At around 5pm yesterday, a group of five Cambodian soldiers approached and attempted to cut the razor wire. Thai troops ordered them to stop and they complied, before leaving the area.
Previously, Thai troops had been unable to access the area, as Cambodian soldiers had occupied it and established dozens of shelters, market stalls.
Before the ceasefire agreement came into effect on July 28th, however, Thai troops successfully retook control from the Cambodian side, according to Winthai.
