The Senate is urgently pushing a 112 million baht budget to build a road on Koh Kut by 2027 connecting Laem Tian, paving the way for artillery deployment at a high point to deter Cambodia, along with extending electricity to the area to solve border logistics problems. The commander of Coastal Defense Regiment 1 affirms readiness to protect sovereignty.
At 09:30 on 19 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Pisut Rattanawong, chairman of the Eastern Region People's Senate Project Steering Committee and chairman of the Senate's Tourism and Sports Committee, presided over a forum titled “Routes on Koh Kut Toward Border Security” at Mercure Koh Chang Hideaway Hotel, Koh Chang District, Trat Province. This was part of the Senate Mobile Media Project in Trat from 18-20 Sep 2026. Navy Commander Major Rungroj Intra from Coastal Defense Regiment 1 participated in the discussion along with Senate members including Mr. Samphan Chaiwisetjinda, Mr. Phisit Apiwatwong, Mr. Chotichai Buadi, Mr. Jamlong Anansuk, Mr. Yukol Chanawatpanya, and Mr. Phisut Sapwijit.
Mr. Pisut said the Eastern Region People's Senate Project oversees eight provinces: Chachoengsao, Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Sa Kaeo, and Trat. Three provinces border Cambodia: Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat. In Sa Kaeo at Ban Nong Jan, the situation is stable but three residents still cannot obtain land titles for their farmland. In Chanthaburi, water diversion caused by Cambodian dykes has changed water flow and caused erosion on the Thai side, which military units have addressed. In Trat, issues around Ban Samlang in Nong Ree Subdistrict, Mueang District are minimal, with ongoing military and border defense presence. Chanthaburi has budgeted to develop Ban Samlang as a tourist site and to build roads in the 2027 fiscal year.
The Laem Tian base at the southern tip of Koh Kut requires personnel to trek six kilometers through forest, making logistics difficult. Therefore, the project is pushing a budget coordinated with the Department of Rural Roads and the Treasury Department, Ministry of Finance, allocating 112 million baht for fiscal years 2027-2028. Construction is expected to finish by 2028 to resolve logistics issues after previous budget proposals were rejected multiple times. This road is critical for national security as logistics are particularly difficult during the monsoon season. When conflict arises, the military cannot deploy artillery effectively. The committee prioritized this road project until successful and will continue coordinating to extend electricity to the area.
Commander Major Rungroj said previously it took several hours to access the area: a 45-minute boat ride followed by a five-kilometer trek taking two hours, with no night access. He expressed pleasure at resolving the route issue, as the new road will reduce travel time to under one hour. Marine and coastal defense units on Koh Kut primarily care for and assist residents, so they seek government support for road construction to ease access. Currently, travel takes one to two hours. He briefed the Navy on the road's benefits for both public convenience and military operations.
Thai and Cambodian forces maintain good relations and regular contact. However, when border incidents occur and orders come from respective units, they must fully defend their territories. When unmanned aerial vehicles enter, Thai forces must prepare weapons, equipment, and personnel. This road will enhance operational capabilities, especially for positioning artillery at Laem Tian to deter adversaries. The military confirms full readiness to protect national sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Commander Tosaphon Pongpaisansri, commander of Koh Kut Operations Unit, Trat Province, added that his unit is stationed at Laem Tian, the island's southernmost point bordering Cambodia. Their duties include patrols, radar detection, threat response, and naval support. Personnel train daily in all combat aspects to maintain constant readiness and optimal performance.
He also expressed satisfaction with the road project, noting current patrols on the island’s opposite side rely on inflatable boats, which cannot operate during storms or rough seas. Upon completion, the road will boost troop morale and enable full operational capability without travel concerns. It will also facilitate faster travel for activities such as purchasing supplies and transporting injured personnel, especially at night when boat travel is difficult. This improvement is vital for personnel safety and ultimately protects the country's sovereignty.
Mr. Phisit inquired whether neighboring countries have made additional preparations following past conflicts or if another flare-up is likely. Commander Major Rungroj said based on news and visits to Ban Tha Sen, Ban Nong Ree, and Ban Chamrak, Thai forces have significantly reinforced their positions and preparations. Opposing forces are likewise strengthening defenses. Predicting another outbreak is difficult due to various factors, but Thai forces remain ready to respond to any aggression.
He said, “From a military perspective, there is a possibility, as the opponent has suffered heavy losses and political setbacks. It seems they are currently regrouping and reinforcing. If circumstances align, they may attempt a resurgence. However, as long as we remain prepared, I believe they will hesitate to act. Yet if we relax, they might try again someday.”