Thailand Directs Temporary Border Demarcation at Disputed Villages by December

BANGKOK, Nov 19 (TNA) - Thai Defense Minister Gen. Natthapol Nakpanich revealed a plan to accelerate the resolution of border issues with Cambodia, focusing on two critical missions: expediting landmine clearance and managing the disputed area around Baan Nong Chan and Baan Nong Yak Kaew in Sa Kaeo province.

The Minister has ordered the temporary demarcation posts in the disputed villages to be installed by mid-to-late December before renewed negotiations with Cambodia's General Border Committee (GBC). He stressed that the demarcation will follow the claimed lines of both sides, and Cambodian residents who have encroached on Thai territory must relocate.

Following the temporary demarcation, the GBC will take responsibility for detailed negotiations on "adjustment of land tenure" and the relocation process. 

To ensure transparency and counter potential misinformation, the Minister has also directed that the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) be invited to observe all operations, including landmine clearance and border management. -819 (TNA)