Sa kaeo: The First Army Region has confirmed that no border crossings under its jurisdiction have been reopened, despite the peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia. This announcement comes amidst speculation that Thailand would reopen the Sa Kaeo border crossing on November 1st. Meanwhile, military operations continue to focus on mine clearance and safety restoration in the area.
According to Thai News Agency, Maj. Gen. Sittiporn Chulapana, Deputy Commander of the 1st Army Area, conducted an inspection of the mine clearance operations in Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaeo. The efforts, led by the 1st Humanitarian Mine Action Unit in collaboration with the 2nd Engineer Battalion, aim to secure the region for local residents. This initiative includes clearing 7 rai (11,500 square meters) where anti-tank mines and Cambodian encroachments were previously found.
In addition to mine clearance, the Deputy Commander also reviewed the progress on constructing bomb shelters at Ban Nong Ya Kaeo. The construction, which accommodates up to 40 individuals, is part of the "Hathai Thip Fund" initiative and began on October 21st under the supervision of the Burapha Force and the 2nd Engineer Battalion.
Addressing reports that soldiers were prepared to open the Thai-Cambodian border checkpoint at Ban Khao Din on November 1st, the First Army Region clarified that no orders for reopening have been issued. The Burapha Task Force will maintain its current policy of keeping the border checkpoint closed within its jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, at the Khlong Luek border checkpoint in Aranyaprathet District, today marks the deadline for Cambodian workers in Thailand to verify their rights and renew their permits. Pol. Col. Naphatphong Supaporn, Superintendent of Immigration in Sa Kaeo Province, reported that 5,030 out of 5,560 workers have complied with the reporting requirement. The final count will be confirmed after 6:00 PM.
The 1202nd Ranger Company recently detained seven Cambodian nationals, including six men and one woman, for illegal entry into Thailand. One detainee admitted to previously working in Thailand, returning to Cambodia during border conflicts, and subsequently re-entering Thailand illegally due to lack of employment opportunities in Cambodia.