The First Army Region dismissed reports which claimed border checkpoints in Sa Kaeo will reopen on Nov 1, saying crossings in the province will remain closed until an order to the contrary is issued.
In a statement issued on Monday, the First Army said online reports which claimed that troops have been instructed to prepare for the reopening of the permanent border crossing at Ban Khao Din in Khlong Hat district were false.
‘The First Army Region confirms that no directive has been given to reopen the Thai-Cambodian border in areas under the responsibility of the Burapa Task Force in Sa Kaeo,’ the statement said.
‘All operations continue to comply with the government’s current policy to keep the border closed.’
The online reports began circulating after Thailand and Cambodia formally signed an agreement to manage the border dispute. The deal was signed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet at a ceremony in Malaysia earlier this week.
Meanwhile, the Burapa Task Force deployed heavy machinery to demolish several houses that were built by Cambodians in Ban Nong Chan in Khok Sung district on Monday. Following the demolition, explosive ordnance disposal units moved in to clear the area of remaining mines and unexploded ordnance.
Specialised mine-clearing vehicles, including a large white GSC-200 demining vehicle, a smaller BearCat support vehicle, and an armoured bulldozer, were used to clear the 7-rai area known as ‘Zone B’, where several Type-59 anti-tank mines have been found, according to the taskforce.
Structures illegally erected by Cambodian nationals were also dismantled during the operation.