Trat: "Big Dul" (General Prawit Wongsuwan) made a visit to the Thai-Cambodian border area to expedite the development of border infrastructure across three key regions. The focus was on projects aimed at enhancing living conditions and bolstering national security, such as "Running Water, Electricity, Good Roads, and Mobile Phone Signals."
According to Thai News Agency, Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Minister of Defence, led a delegation to evaluate the implementation of border security development policies under the "Water, Electricity, Good Roads, and Mobile Phone Signal" initiative. They visited the Eastern Border Defense Force area along the Thai-Cambodian border.
The monitoring efforts were concentrated on three main forces: the Suranaree Force, the Burapha Force, and the Chanthaburi-Trat Border Protection Force, which are essential in safeguarding the border and maintaining national sovereignty.
The visit aimed to assess project progress, address challenges faced by local agencies, and drive concrete improvements in infrastructure and public services to enhance the quality of life in border areas. This includes the development of water supply, electricity, transportation, and communication infrastructure.
In addition, the development efforts are designed to complement national security measures, ensuring that infrastructure improvements contribute to both enhanced living standards and national stability.
Lieutenant General Adul also visited Ban Hat Lek in Khlong Yai District, Trat Province, to evaluate border trade and local living conditions. He highlighted the area's potential for tourism and economic growth, stressing the importance of fostering a cooperative relationship between Thailand and Cambodia to diminish mistrust and advance the border economy.
A significant issue addressed was the dismantling of a sediment trap by a Cambodian company near border marker 73, which has altered the natural landscape, causing sediment accumulation on the Cambodian side and erosion of the Thai coastline-a problem persisting since 1998.
The Minister of Defence confirmed that both nations would engage in discussions to find mutually beneficial solutions to the sediment issue, advocating for dialogue and mutual understanding as key to resolving cross-border challenges.
Before leaving, the Minister encouraged personnel to prioritize national interests and assured them of the Ministry's commitment to improving the quality of life for those on the front lines, ensuring operational readiness and adequate living conditions.