The Army conducted an on-site inspection of the Chong An Ma border area to tighten security measures along the Thai-Cambodian border, emphasizing continued efforts through three approaches to establish security in the Chong An Ma, Hill 500, and Hill 677 areas. Tags: [Army, border security, Thailand-Cambodia border, Chong An Ma, Hill 500, Hill 677]
On 30 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Major General Winthai Suwaree, Army spokesperson, visited the Thai-Cambodian border at Chong An Ma, Hill 500, and Hill 677. He addressed the Army's measures following their capture of these areas in Ubon Ratchathani Province after December 2025 border clashes. He explained that the success stemmed from lessons learned in the initial clash, leading to strategic adjustments that enabled securing the three key locations. The operation was quite challenging due to the steep forested terrain, requiring troops to advance on foot.Tags: [Major General Winthai Suwaree, Army operations, Ubon Ratchathani, border clashes, military strategy]
The future plan remains focused on three objectives following the approach of General Pana Klaewplodtook, Army Commander: surveillance; establishing strong fortifications capable of safe mission execution during emergencies; and clearing the many remaining landmines, along with constructing roads to support logistics.Tags: [Army strategy, surveillance, fortifications, landmine clearance, logistics]
Colonel Talad Poolsawat, deputy commander of Task Force 1 overseeing the Chong An Ma area, stated that after Thai troops fully controlled the area on 17 December 2025, Cambodian forces retreated approximately one kilometer.Tags: [Colonel Talad Poolsawat, Task Force 1, territorial control, troop movements]
Previously, since 1999, Cambodian troops had encroached into Chong An Ma, building 25 houses initially and then expanding. Cambodian families settled there, and land rights documents were issued by investors.Tags: [Cambodian encroachment, settlements, land rights, Chong An Ma]
After Thai forces secured Chong An Ma completely, they found that Cambodia had expanded housing to over 200 structures. Currently, Thai troops have dismantled the encroaching settlements and removed the "Ta Om" monument built by Cambodia, restoring the area. There are now no ongoing issues.Tags: [demolition, border restoration, Ta Om monument, dispute resolution]
General Pana Klaewplodtook, Army Commander, is scheduled to visit Chong An Ma, including Hill 500 and Hill 677, on 4 April 2026 GMT+7 to monitor the situation and provide policy guidance to the troops stationed there.Tags: [Army Commander, site visit, policy guidance, military leadership]