The RCAF has begun constructing its third military base in 10 days, this time along the Thai border in Oddar Meanchey province’s Banteay Ampil district, officials said.
A 70-soldier demining team Sunday started preparing for construction at the 100-hectare site in Ampil commune, which will provide lodging for military families once completed, RCAF provincial deputy commander Him Seab said.
“It is an old plan. We need the soldiers stationed nearby the border because then it is easier to maintain order if something happens,” he said by telephone Monday.
The new base is 30 km from Choup Kaki village, where villagers and border police recently reported Thai military patrols inside Cambodian-claimed territory.
Deputy district governor Chap Phat said the base is the first phase of the government’s border plan.
“This is a plan to build new military camps to guard the road and border,” he said by telephone.
Work also began this month on two military bases in the district’s Kokmon commune and also nearby Preah Vihear temple.
Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan said the government remains determined to resolve the unfolding border dispute with Thailand peacefully.
