July 23, Kathmandu. Thailand has completed the construction of its first permanent wall along the border with Cambodia. The Thailand military announced the completion on Wednesday amid tensions following two violent clashes last year. A 1.3-kilometer-long structure has been built in the Eastern Pong Nam Ron area. The wall features concrete panels, steel mesh, and barbed wire. Defense Chief General Ukrit Boontanon described the wall as “permanent, strong, and durable,” designed to ensure long-term security.
During an on-site inspection with journalists, General Ukrit stated, “The concrete wall panels here have been tested. We have confirmed that they are capable of protecting against small arms fire.” The Thai military plans to extend the wall by over 7 kilometers, connecting it to this initial segment. Furthermore, they intend to study the geographical conditions of the remaining 817 kilometers of the border before proceeding with additional construction.
Ukrit added, “Each section of the terrain varies. Construction will only occur in advantageous areas where it will not cause future issues.” Military forces remain deployed along the Thailand-Cambodia border. The border dispute triggered intense clashes involving bilateral airstrikes and artillery fire in July and December last year. These clashes resulted in approximately 150 deaths and displaced around 300,000 people. The July clashes ended within five days following intervention by US President Donald Trump. However, fighting resumed for 20 days in December before both sides agreed to a bilateral ceasefire.
