Thailand Reports Cambodian Encroachments Along Trat Border Under MoU-43
Three intrusion points confirmed and Thai forces have pushed back, while monitoring 17 disputed locations
Thailand’s Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defence Command has confirmed that Cambodian personnel have previously encroached into areas Thailand claims under a one to fifty thousand scale map, including construction of buildings and trenches at three specific sites in Chamrak Subdistrict, Mueang District, Trat Province.
The intrusions include a building by Cambodia’s Border Police Company 825 extending about fifteen metres into Thai-claimed land; a trench in a rubber plantation overlapping approximately one hundred and twenty-five metres; and a trench by Cambodia’s Border Defence Company one, Battalion five hundred one, which intruded some thirty metres.
Thai authorities say Cambodian forces have now been pushed back from these three points, and no opposing forces remain in those areas.
The Chanthaburi-Trat command said that these actions are being addressed within the framework of existing border agreements, especially the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding forty-three, and that the situation continues to be closely monitored to safeguard Thai sovereignty.
Trat Province shares a long and sensitive border with Cambodia, with four subdistricts—Tha Kum, Takang, Chamrak, and Laem Klat—bordering Veal Veng district in Pursat Province, Cambodia, and three subdistricts—Mai Rut, Khlong Yai, and Hat Lek—bordering Koh Kong Province.
Thai military officers assert that while some encroachments have existed for decades, the recent inspections confirmed the scale and persistence of the incursions.
Officials also report that despite numerous Thai protests, Cambodian authorities have not adequately responded to earlier requests for withdrawal and removal of infrastructure.
While some Thai private sector entities offered funding for removal of the offending structures, the Cambodian Government has reportedly rejected those offers.
Parliamentary and security committees in Thailand have routinely visited the border and been briefed on developments.
Local Thai forces say they remain ready to enforce sovereignty, including the use of force if necessary, though emphasizing concern for the safety of Thai residents in border areas should any escalation occur.
The intrusions include a building by Cambodia’s Border Police Company 825 extending about fifteen metres into Thai-claimed land; a trench in a rubber plantation overlapping approximately one hundred and twenty-five metres; and a trench by Cambodia’s Border Defence Company one, Battalion five hundred one, which intruded some thirty metres.
Thai authorities say Cambodian forces have now been pushed back from these three points, and no opposing forces remain in those areas.
The Chanthaburi-Trat command said that these actions are being addressed within the framework of existing border agreements, especially the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding forty-three, and that the situation continues to be closely monitored to safeguard Thai sovereignty.
Trat Province shares a long and sensitive border with Cambodia, with four subdistricts—Tha Kum, Takang, Chamrak, and Laem Klat—bordering Veal Veng district in Pursat Province, Cambodia, and three subdistricts—Mai Rut, Khlong Yai, and Hat Lek—bordering Koh Kong Province.
Thai military officers assert that while some encroachments have existed for decades, the recent inspections confirmed the scale and persistence of the incursions.
Officials also report that despite numerous Thai protests, Cambodian authorities have not adequately responded to earlier requests for withdrawal and removal of infrastructure.
While some Thai private sector entities offered funding for removal of the offending structures, the Cambodian Government has reportedly rejected those offers.
Parliamentary and security committees in Thailand have routinely visited the border and been briefed on developments.
Local Thai forces say they remain ready to enforce sovereignty, including the use of force if necessary, though emphasizing concern for the safety of Thai residents in border areas should any escalation occur.
