Sa Kaeo – Ranger Battalion 12 has adjusted its tactics to overcome the fuel crisis, with fuel prices rising by 6 baht per liter, by conducting patrols on bicycles along the Thailand-Cambodia border. This move aims to intensify efforts to intercept 'ant armies' smuggling fuel out of the country through natural routes.
With fuel prices continuously increasing, including a 6-baht-per-liter hike for gasoline and diesel, and some areas facing shortages, the impact affects both citizens' daily lives and the security operations of government agencies. This has prompted the army to promptly implement measures to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining operational efficiency.
At 09:00 on 26 March 2026, reporters were informed that Colonel Pongsakorn Sue-ngam, commander of Ranger Battalion 12 (Ranger Control Unit 12), Aranyaprathet Task Force, Eastern Command, ordered subordinate units to adjust patrol methods in their areas along the Thailand-Cambodia border to support government and army policies on fuel conservation.
He assigned Captain Arkom Mongkolnam, commander of Ranger Company 1201, to lead personnel in establishing a "bicycle patrol unit," using two-wheel bicycles as the primary vehicle for patrols, surveillance, and checkpoints in risky areas, replacing motorcycles to concretely reduce fuel use.
The main operational area is around Rong Kluea Market, Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province, a strategic location often exploited as a route for illegal activities, particularly fuel smuggling into Cambodia by 'ant armies' that use natural paths and bypass checkpoints to deceive authorities.
Using bicycles for patrols not only cuts energy costs but also offers tactical advantages, as they can access narrow, complex, or natural routes inaccessible to larger vehicles. Additionally, bicycles reduce noise, allowing missions to be conducted quietly and agilely, increasing the chances of detecting and preventing illegal activities effectively.
The unit continues strict "border sealing" measures following the directives of the 1st Army Area and the Eastern Task Force commanders, focusing on integrated cooperation with relevant agencies including local administration, police, and immigration to monitor, prevent, and intercept illegal border crossings and other unlawful acts continuously.
These measures have drawn community interest and praise for the rangers' ability to adapt to the current energy situation, serving as a good example of energy conservation while still fully performing their duties to maintain national security and sovereignty.
Security agencies also emphasize that border residents should promptly report any signs of illegal activities or transport of contraband to authorities, fostering joint vigilance to sustain peace and order in the border areas.