Defence forces chief vows to complete mine clearance in all 13 Thai-Cambodian border zones
Gen Ukris Boontanondha pledges to clear all 13 remaining minefields along the Thai-Cambodian border, prioritising public and troop safety despite Cambodia’s lack of cooperation.
Gen Ukris Boontanondha, Chief of Defence Forces of Thailand, reaffirmed on Wednesday his commitment to completing the mine clearance mission along the Thai-Cambodian border, saying the operation will continue across all 13 designated areas to ensure the safety of civilians and frontline soldiers.
“We are currently working on five pilot areas and will move on to the others once they’re completed. Thailand has already been conducting mine clearance for some time — if Cambodia does nothing, we will still do our duty,” Gen Ukris stated.
When asked about Defence Minister Gen Natthaphon Narkphanit’s remark that Cambodia had yet to respond regarding one of the five pilot sites, Gen Ukrit replied, “That’s their business. We’ll proceed in our areas — why should we worry about them?”
He confirmed that the army will continue its mission in all areas under Thai sovereignty, even if Cambodian forces are stationed nearby.
“We’ll do it — for the safety of our people and our soldiers on the frontline. Why shouldn’t we? I repeat: we will do it,” he said firmly.
Thailand originally proposed clearing 13 minefields, covering zones under three military commands:
- First Army Region (3 areas) – Ban Nong Chan, Ban Nong Ya Kaew, and Ban Noen Sombun in Sa Kaeo Province
- Second Army Region (6 areas) – Chong Bok and Chong An Ma in Ubon Ratchathani, Chong Krang, Chong Hew, and Prasat Ta Kwai in Surin, and Ban Sai Tho 10 Tai in Buri Ram Province
- Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defence Command (4 areas) – Ban Takang, Ban Khlong Muang, Ban Chamrak and Ban Khod Sai in Trat Province
Cambodia did not respond to any of the 13 proposed locations, prompting Thailand to scale down its proposal to five pilot sites, while allowing Cambodia the option not to participate directly in joint clearance — only to refrain from obstructing operations. These five areas are Ban Sai Tho 10 Tai (Buri Ram), Chong Hew (Surin), Ban Nong Chan (Sa Kaeo), Ban Nong Ya Kaew (Sa Kaeo), and Ban Chamrak (Trat).
