Sa kaeo: The temporary border demarcation between Thailand and Cambodia continues to make headway, as both nations carry on with their efforts in Sa Kaeo Province. The latest developments involve surveying GPS coordinates to establish aerial photographic control points, successfully completing 40 points.
According to Thai News Agency, the joint Thai-Cambodian temporary border survey team is actively working in the region between Boundary Markers 42 and 43 in Ban Nong Ya Kaeo, Khok Sung District, Sa Kaeo Province. This area is notable for overlapping claims by both countries, with the surveyed distance extending over 7 kilometers.
Today’s critical task involved utilizing GPS technology to survey coordinates and determine aerial photographic control points (GCPs). This process included collaborative drone flights with Cambodian officials to produce high-resolution aerial photographic maps for future border determinations. As of 2:00 PM, the GPS surveys have been successfully completed at 40 points, with drones capturing aerial photographs over a span of 4,500 meters.
Meanwhile, residents along the border in Lahansai District, Buriram Province, are experiencing heightened anxiety. The atmosphere is tense with uncertainty about whether a permanent ceasefire will be achieved or if further conflicts might arise, especially during the ongoing rice harvest. The villagers are divided in their opinions; some urge the Thai military to take decisive action against Cambodia, while others prefer a delay in military operations to allow them to sell their rice and settle debts.
Mr. Kowit Chutiprakon, assistant village headman, highlighted that the rice harvest is less than 30 percent complete but is expected to conclude shortly. Villagers expressed readiness to support military actions if necessary, but only if it guarantees an end to the conflict. Regarding the border closure, Kowit supports a prolonged closure, citing a steady increase in paddy prices since the closure took effect.