The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) is preparing to build a border fence in Pong Namron district of Chanthaburi and a road running parallel to the Thai-Cambodian border, according to the RTN’s commander-in-chief, Admiral Pairote Fuangkhon.
The admiral visited the Noen Phi base in Khlong Yai sub-district today, to offer the seamen moral support and to observe the progress of the construction of a strategic border road.
He told the media there that Thailand and Cambodia share an 87km-long common border in Pong Namron and Soi Dao districts of Chanthaburi province, adding that the fence will be built on flat terrain initially, which is vulnerable to illegal activities, including drug smuggling and illegal crossings.
Regarding the border road, the naval commander-in-chief said that a 15km stretch has already been built, which must be extended to cover the length of the borderline, adding that road is necessary for the movement of supplies to troops based along the border.
Meanwhile, Army Spokesman Maj-Gen Winthai Suvaree claimed that reports that the Khana ancient temple ruins in Karb Choeng district of Surin province are occupied by Cambodian troops is inaccurate.
He said the ruins are located about 10 metres from the edge of a cliff and are regularly visited by Thai troops during their patrols, adding that Cambodian troops are based at he base of the escarpment and do not pose a threat to Thai troops.
He explained that only about 25 metres of a 1.6-metre high wall remains, as the rest of the temple collapsed a long time ago.
