Thailand builds border fence with Cambodia amid ongoing tensions

Thailand has completed the initial phase of a permanent border fence along its frontier with Cambodia, a move announced by the Thai military amid ongoing tensions between the two nations. The first section, measuring 1.3 km, consists of reinforced concrete panels topped with steel mesh and concertina wire in the Pong Nam Ron district.

Chief of Defence Forces General Ukrit Boontanon described the structure as "stable, strong and durable," noting that it has been tested and can protect against small-arms fire. The military intends to construct over 7 km of additional fencing connected to the existing section and is assessing other areas along the 817-km border for similar construction where conditions permit.

Troops remain stationed on both sides of the border, where territorial disputes led to violent clashes in July and December of the previous year. These conflicts, involving air strikes and artillery, resulted in nearly 150 fatalities and displaced approximately 300,000 people. The July outbreak was resolved after five days with intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump, but fighting resumed for 20 days in December before a bilateral ceasefire was established.