The First Army Region has pledged to act on the initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana by building a “Thai-Cambodian border wall” and accelerating the construction of safety shelters.
The projects are proceeding under the “Hataitip Fund” initiated by the Chulabhorn Foundation.
The move follows an audience granted by the princess on Tuesday to army chief Gen Pana Klaoplodthuk, during which the army reported on projects under the Hataitip Fund to improve the safety of soldiers and civilians living in border areas.
The princess expressed deep concern over the current security conditions and ordered the army to expedite the construction of defensive posts for soldiers and emergency shelters for local residents.
Gen Pana has assigned First Army Region Commander Lt Gen Worayos Lueangsuwan, who also directs the First Army Operations Centre, to conduct field surveys and collect data.
On Wednesday, Lt Gen Worayos inspected border areas in Sa Kaeo alongside Maj Gen Benjaphon Dechatiwong, commander of the Burapha Task Force, provincial officials and local residents to identify suitable and safe construction sites.
Under the initial phase, the Burapha Task Force will construct and improve 72 military bunkers within its operational bases and six civilian shelters capable of accommodating up to 40 people each.
Ten bunkers and two shelters will be prioritised for immediate construction.
The First Army Region reaffirmed its commitment, as the army of the Royal Guards, to uphold the princess’s wish to “prevent and resolve security and safety crises affecting the people and the nation”.
Somporn Phetjit, head of Nong Ya Kaeo village in Khok Sung district, Sa Kaeo, said discussions with the army indicated plans to add five more bunkers to the three in her area.
Each can shelter between 40 and 100 people. “Our district has 254 households and 663 residents. With the new bunkers, all villagers will have a safe refuge if emergencies occur,” she said.
On Tuesday, Gen Anupap Sirimonton, head of the army’s general staff team overseeing the Hataitip Fund project, presented detailed implementation plans to the princess.
The army reported that surveys of the Thai-Cambodian border — under the responsibility of the Suranaree and Burapha task forces — showed an urgent need to build or upgrade 799 protective bunkers (727 under the Suranaree Task Force and 72 under the Burapha Task Force) and 173 civilian shelters (167 and six, respectively).
Officials said significant funding will still be required to complete the construction and ensure long-term safety for both military personnel and border residents. The Hataitip Fund invites contributions from government agencies, the private sector and the general public to promote participation in supporting national security.