Thai Military Releases Footage Alleging Cambodian Forces Fortify Preah Vihear Area and Stockpile Weapons
Thailand’s Second Army Area claims Cambodian troops have established bases and deployed advanced armaments near the disputed border as tensions persist despite a fragile ceasefire
The Thai military’s Second Army Area has released video footage and statements asserting that Cambodian military forces are using parts of the disputed Preah Vihear region as fortified positions and staging grounds, including alleged stockpiling of weapons and deployment of tactical equipment.
The material, presented by Thai commanders in recent weeks, underscores ongoing mistrust between Phnom Penh and Bangkok, even as both governments nominally observe a ceasefire following intense border clashes in December 2025.
According to the Thai Army’s account, Cambodian soldiers have converted contested terrain near Prasat Ta Kwai and around the historic Preah Vihear complex into deployment zones with direct- and indirect-fire weapon emplacements, observation posts and other military infrastructure.
Thai sources additionally allege the presence of surveillance systems, radar detectors, anti-drone measures and heavy armaments in these areas, which they say pose tactical threats to Thai units operating along the frontier.
The footage also purportedly shows Cambodian forces positioning and preparing weapons systems that Thai commanders argue are inconsistent with commitments to halt provocative acts under ceasefire terms witnessed by ASEAN observers.
Cambodian authorities have not publicly responded to these specific Thai military allegations but have in the past denied similar claims and rejected reports describing their forces as initiating violations of ceasefire agreements.
The Preah Vihear zone has long been a focal point in the protracted border dispute between the two Southeast Asian neighbours, with both sides periodically accusing each other of encroachments and breaches.
While Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a second ceasefire on Dec. 27, 2025, to halt weeks of deadly fighting that displaced hundreds of thousands and caused significant casualties, tensions remain high.
Recent diplomatic efforts by ASEAN and regional partners aim to consolidate the ceasefire and begin substantive talks on long-standing territorial disagreements.
The controversy over military activities near Preah Vihear illustrates how deeply contested the frontier remains, even as official dialogue continues to defuse conflict and prevent renewed clashes.
The material, presented by Thai commanders in recent weeks, underscores ongoing mistrust between Phnom Penh and Bangkok, even as both governments nominally observe a ceasefire following intense border clashes in December 2025.
According to the Thai Army’s account, Cambodian soldiers have converted contested terrain near Prasat Ta Kwai and around the historic Preah Vihear complex into deployment zones with direct- and indirect-fire weapon emplacements, observation posts and other military infrastructure.
Thai sources additionally allege the presence of surveillance systems, radar detectors, anti-drone measures and heavy armaments in these areas, which they say pose tactical threats to Thai units operating along the frontier.
The footage also purportedly shows Cambodian forces positioning and preparing weapons systems that Thai commanders argue are inconsistent with commitments to halt provocative acts under ceasefire terms witnessed by ASEAN observers.
Cambodian authorities have not publicly responded to these specific Thai military allegations but have in the past denied similar claims and rejected reports describing their forces as initiating violations of ceasefire agreements.
The Preah Vihear zone has long been a focal point in the protracted border dispute between the two Southeast Asian neighbours, with both sides periodically accusing each other of encroachments and breaches.
While Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a second ceasefire on Dec. 27, 2025, to halt weeks of deadly fighting that displaced hundreds of thousands and caused significant casualties, tensions remain high.
Recent diplomatic efforts by ASEAN and regional partners aim to consolidate the ceasefire and begin substantive talks on long-standing territorial disagreements.
The controversy over military activities near Preah Vihear illustrates how deeply contested the frontier remains, even as official dialogue continues to defuse conflict and prevent renewed clashes.
