Thailand builds Cambodia border wall after clashes

Thailand's military is building an 8.4-kilometre wall along part of the Cambodian border after deadly clashes with its neighbour in 2025.

The first one-kilometre section in Chanthaburi province is made of reinforced concrete, galvanised steel mesh and barbed wire. It stands 3.6 metres high and runs through farmland near old border marker stones from the French colonial period.

Captain Prachya Hantiem, commander of the Royal Thai Navy Marine Task Force in Chanthaburi, said the fence was built to prevent illegal activity, especially smuggling of people and goods. He said the structure was entirely inside Thai territory and that Cambodian forces inspected the work at each stage.

Thailand and Cambodia have disputed parts of their 800-kilometre border for decades. Deadly clashes broke out in July and December 2025, and the neighbours signed a ceasefire agreement in late December. Both sides accuse each other of violating the truce.

Thailand closed its borders with Cambodia after the fighting, which drove half a million people from their homes. Most have since returned, although 20,000 Cambodians are still displaced.

Some villagers said the wall had cut into farmland and would disrupt movement between communities, but those who spoke to AFP were broadly supportive. Village chief Itchira Aranchaiyasiri said the fence gave residents a sense of security because their plantations were along the border.