Bangkok: The National Security Council (NSCC) has officially filed a complaint against Cambodian nationals accused of encroaching on forest land, thereby violating the Forestry Act. This complaint is set to be submitted to the National Security Council (NSC) for further acknowledgment and processing. The International Observer Team (IOT) has made it clear that they will not arbitrate on the Thai-Cambodian border dispute but will instead report their findings to the Army Commanders and Defense Ministers of both nations. Notably, the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting is scheduled to take place in Koh Kong from September 7-10.
According to Thai News Agency, Rear Admiral Surasan Kongsiri, spokesman for the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), reported that the Thai-Cambodian Border Situation Administration (CBSA) committee's meeting outlined four key points. It was emphasized that while the border situation remains under thorough surveillance and security on both sides, the overall condition is calm and stable. The observer team's recent visit to the area proceeded without any issues, facilitated by the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters. The team visited the Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defense Commands, under the Royal Thai Navy's jurisdiction, and received a warm welcome from the Marine Corps Task Force in Trat Province.
The delegation surveyed Boundary Marker 73 at the permanent border crossing at Ban Hat Lek, the final land boundary marker for the Thai-Cambodian border demarcation. They also visited the 537th Ranger Company to understand the Navy's mine clearance operations, highlighting the challenges posed by the mountainous terrain and the armed Cambodian presence. Furthermore, the delegation visited the Khao Lan Rajakaruna Museum, a former shelter for Cambodian refugees, now a museum in honor of Her Majesty the Queen Mother's humanitarian efforts.
Reports from these visits will be submitted to the observer team for presentation to the Commanders-in-Chief and the Ministry of Defense of both countries, aiming to reinforce cooperation in maintaining peace through military coordination. The observer team reiterated its neutral stance, focusing on observing, gathering information, and reporting without bias.
Plans are underway for a second extraordinary meeting of the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee (GBC), scheduled for September 7-10 in Koh Kong Province, Cambodia. The meeting will follow a similar format to the first, beginning with a joint secretariat meeting from September 7-9, culminating in the main GBC meeting and a press conference in Trat Province on September 10.
Additionally, the CCSA is closely monitoring developments in the Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaeo areas of Khok Sung District, Sa Kaeo Province. The Sa Kaeo Governor has outlined plans to bolster security for residents, including the construction of a 16-kilometer fence at finalized boundary markers 50 and 51, and a detailed survey of land tenure rights. Legal measures will be enforced under Thai law, specifically Section 72 of the Forest Act of 1941, against Cambodians encroaching on land. These steps have been acknowledged by the CCSA, with recommendations presented to the NSC meeting for approval.