"Commander of the Eastern Border Command" Confirms "Klong Nam Sai" is Thai Territory, Vows to Resist Encroachment

Today (30 April 2026), 9:30 AM at the Ban Klong Luek border crossing, Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province, Major General Benjapol Dechatiwong Na Ayutthaya, Commander of the Eastern Border Command, 1st Army Area, addressed the issue of land filling in the Klong Nam Sai canal in Klong Had District, Sa Kaeo Province, where Cambodia allegedly dredged the canal to alter water flow and change the border, hoping to seize Thai territory. He stated, "I confirm that the area is within Thai sovereign territory, and we have done what we have done."

When asked if the waterway had been restored to its normal flow, Major General Benjapol replied, "In principle, water flow is natural, and changes occur naturally. There was no malicious intent to alter the waterway. But if we inspect it and find something that's not right, we will proceed. If we are confident, we will continue without hesitation. We maintain that we are not being aggressive or encroaching on anything. That area is Thai territory."

When asked whether Cambodia's protests would affect our ability to access the area, Major General Benjapol said, "We can access it because it's our home."