Deputy defence minister visits Ta Kwai, Ta Muen Thom

2026-02-05 - 11:16

Deputy Defence Minister Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen on 5 February visited border areas in Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin, to follow up on the Defence Ministry’s infrastructure initiative aimed at improving living and operational conditions for troops. The visit focused on the “Water Flowing, Lights On, Good Roads, Mobile Signal” project, which seeks to strengthen basic infrastructure and communications along the Thai–Cambodian border. Lt. Gen. Adul, accompanied by executives from AIS, distributed SIM cards to soldiers under Suranaree Task Force, Second Army Region, to enhance communication, coordination and command efficiency in border operations. The SIM cards were received by Maj Gen Somphop Parawet, commander of Suranaree Task Force, with AIS Northeast operations head Wisarut Phisan also present. The delegation also visited residents affected by recent clashes, offering assistance and inspecting security operations at Ta Kwai Temple, Ta Muen Thom Temple, and key strategic points in the area. Lt. Gen. Adul said the project was assigned by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Defence Minister Gen Natthaphon Narkphanit to improve the quality of life of border troops, stressing the importance of roads, electricity, water supply and mobile signals for both daily life and modern military operations. On compensation for affected civilians, he said the prime minister had instructed a second round of assistance, but procedures could be delayed due to the caretaker government status. He added that compensation for evacuees had already been fully paid, and further aid would proceed after a new government is formed.