Khok sung: Border Patrol Police Control Unit 12 has begun intensive patrols and established bunkers along the Thai-Cambodian border in Khok Sung District, maintaining a 24-hour surveillance regime. This move follows reports of Cambodian nationals illegally entering the area to cultivate land and erect structures, actions that contravene the MOU 43 agreement.
According to Thai News Agency, the 12th Border Patrol Police Unit (BPP12) has deployed forces to patrol two vulnerable districts: Khok Sung District and Aranyaprathet District in Sa Kaeo Province. This deployment is a response to ongoing disputes between Thailand and Cambodia, particularly in regions where the boundary line remains contested. The 2000 MOU prohibits either nation from constructing permanent structures in these areas.
A news team visited the border with officers from BPP12 to assess the situation, beginning their inspection at the seam in Khok Sung District, which borders Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey Province. The boundary here is predominantly a land-to-land divide, creating a natural barrier. In contrast, the Aranyaprathet District border features a deep canal and a barbed wire fence running its length. Officials reported that in Khok Sung District, groups of Cambodians have been entering the area unlawfully to farm or construct small buildings, violating the MOU 43 agreement.
To counter these incursions, BPP12 has enhanced its security measures, establishing bunkers every 100 meters along the border. Patrols are conducted in a variety of modes, including vehicles, motorcycles, and on foot, to ensure comprehensive surveillance. This area is a known target for transnational crime groups, including those involved in illegal labor smuggling and call center scams, who exploit these natural routes for entry and exit.