As white banks of mist still veil the mountain range and ancient forests along the frontier, Border Marker No. 42 emerges glistening in the first light of dawn. That is also the moment when the footsteps of two forces — the Dak Rue Border Gate Border Guard Post (under the Dak Lak Border Guard Command) and the border protection forces of Mondulkiri province (Cambodia), including the O Ro Border Protection Police Post (Mondulkiri Provincial Police) and Platoon 2 (Mondulkiri Military Sub-zone) — fall into step during a joint patrol along an almost 8km stretch of the border.
Affection and comradeship on the joint patrol route
Along the red-earth path winding around the mountainside, officers and soldiers of both countries walk shoulder to shoulder, exchanging information about border security, coordination in managing the borderline and the markers.
Amidst the vast mountains and forests, in thick and biting cold fog, the sounds of conversation — checking on each other’s lives, families, and sharing updates on border security — in both Vietnamese and Khmer resound warmly and sincerely, like greetings between long-lost brothers meeting again.
Lieutenant Colonel Tran Loi, Head of Dak Rue Border Gate’s Border Guard Station, said: “The section of border under our management has been marked, but the demarcation has not yet been completed. However, the border-protection forces of both sides still regularly coordinate to inspect and manage the border in its current state, exchange information, and promptly handle any arising issues, contributing to maintaining stability in the border areas.”
In the early borderland morning, fragrant with wild grass, the two working teams inspect Border Marker No. 42, verify the current status of the surrounding areas, particularly locations where streams or footpaths cut across the border. Officers and soldiers from both sides record notes, take photographs, and meticulously exchange details to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Pausing beside Marker 42, hands are clasped firmly and warmly. One side in the green uniform of Viet Nam’s Border Guard, the other in the dark brown of Cambodia’s border police—two different colours, but sharing one mission: to keep the frontier forever peaceful, stable and friendly.
Captain Bun Thai, Deputy Chief of O Ro Border Protection Police Station, shared: “We are very happy to patrol together with Viet Nam’s Border Guard. The two sides always trust and support each other in work and daily life. During difficult times, Dak Rue Border Guard Station helped us with electricity, medicine, rice, salt… That is truly precious brotherhood.”
In a border region full of hardships, such mutual support becomes even more sacred. Over recent years, the two units have worked closely in exchanging information and promptly handling incidents along the border, helping maintain security and order in the area.
Besides the primary duty of managing and safeguarding the border, both Dak Rue Border Guard Station and O Ro Border Protection Police Station consider maintaining solidarity and friendship as a vital foundation to jointly fulfil their missions.
On every patrol route, officers and soldiers not only perform their duties but also inquire after each other, share updates about local life and security, and support one another at work and in hardship.
There was an incident exactly six years ago, and every time it is recalled, officers and soldiers on both sides still grow tearful — a reminder that strengthens their resolve to nurture and preserve the bonds of solidarity and friendship.
One day, amid pouring rain and roaring mountain winds, Captain Chun Sok Nin, former Chief of O Ro Border Protection Police Station, suddenly fell critically ill.
Upon receiving the news, military medics from the Dak Rue Border Gate’s Border Guard Post, together with the Ea H’leo Post, immediately trekked through forests and waded across streams to assist their Cambodian counterparts, before coordinating with the Military–Civilian Clinic of Economic–Defence Unit 737 to transfer him to the Central Highlands General Hospital for emergency treatment.
Thanks to the dedication of Vietnamese doctors and nurses, Captain Chun Sok Nin survived. At the moment of parting, the firm handshake and silent, emotional gaze showed comradeship and humanity that transcend national boundaries—an unforgettable story officers recall each time they walk the harsh border paths of wind and rain.
Joining hands to build a peaceful, friendly border
The border between Dak Lak (Viet Nam) and Mondulkiri (Cambodia) traverses rugged mountains and forests, sparsely populated areas, and communities with difficult living conditions.
Yet thanks to the close coordination between the border-protection forces of both provinces and both countries, the border area remains secure and orderly.
Residents on both sides live and work in peace; solidarity, friendship and cooperation between local authorities and functional forces of the two countries continue to be strengthened.
Colonel Nguyen Van Linh, Commander of Dak Lak Border Guard Command, affirmed: “Coordination in joint patrols and control between the Border Guard Stations of Dak Lak Province and Cambodia’s border-protection forces vividly reflects the traditional solidarity and friendship between Viet Nam and Cambodia. Through these practical activities, the two sides not only jointly safeguard a peaceful, friendly and stable border, but also help strengthen trust, understanding and the bond between the peoples of both countries.”
In the borderlands — marked by hardship, steep mountains, deep streams, and harsh weather — every shared patrol step carries profound meaning: a step of trust, solidarity, and shared responsibility.
As the midday sun shines through the trees, the patrol concludes with lingering handshakes. On the border ground, the footprints of soldiers from both nations form straight, aligned rows—a testament to a resilient relationship built on trust and friendship.
Border Marker No. 42 still stands firm between the two national flags, while the wind rustling through the forest canopy sounds like the whisper of the frontier. Peace does not come naturally. It is built and preserved through the sweat, effort, responsibility, and devotion of the soldiers who quietly patrol day and night in the most remote and challenging corners of the Fatherland.
The joint patrols conducted by the officers and soldiers of Dak Rue Border Guard Station and O Ro Border Protection Police Station in particular, and between Dak Lak’s Border Guard Stations and the border-protection police stations and units of Mondulkiri Provincial Police and the Mondulkiri Military Sub-Region more broadly, are not only routine tasks but a symbol of the enduring friendship between two peoples sharing a border and a shared aspiration for peace.
From these footsteps, the border is no longer a dividing line but a bridge connecting affection, trust and lasting friendship between Viet Nam and Cambodia — forever green in the hearts of the soldiers safeguarding the country’s frontier.
