Thai Illegally Occupying Four Border Villages in Boeung Trakuon Area, Banteay Meanchey

A satellite image showing the area invaded and occupied by Thai forces in the boundary segment between Border Points 33–37, located in the Boeung Trakuon area of Banteay Meanchey province, as of January 2. The shaded zone indicates the area under Thai military occupation, falling between the Cambodian and Thai boundary claims. Supplied

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The Banteay Meanchey provincial administration has revealed that Thai military forces have illegally encircled and occupied four Cambodian villages near the border in the Boeung Trakuon area of Thma Puok District, despite a recently agreed ceasefire between the two countries.

According to provincial authorities, the villages—located in the Boeung Trakuon area of Thma Puok District—were surrounded using shipping containers deployed by Thai troops following the implementation of a bilateral ceasefire at noon on December 27, 2025.

Banteay Meanchey Provincial Governor Oum Reatrey said on January 3 that the affected villages include Banteay Mean Rith, Phlov Bambaek, Trapeang Samrong, and Samakki. Together, the four villages cover approximately 292 hectares, including 205 hectares of residential land, and are home to more than 6,000 residents living in 1,365 houses.

A report issued by the provincial administration and obtained by Khmer Times detailed that Samakki Village spans 72 hectares, Trapeang Samrong spans 60 hectares, Phlov Bambaek spans 108 hectares, and Banteay Mean Rith spans 52 hectares.

In a statement, the Royal Government of Cambodia condemned the Thai military aggression, describing it as a serious breach of commitments made under multiple bilateral agreements aimed at resolving border disputes peacefully. These include ceasefire arrangements, General Border Committee meeting records, and joint declarations signed throughout 2025.

Khmer Times journalists gained access to the affected border villages, where Thai troops had installed barbed wire and shipping containers to block road access, preventing Cambodian villagers from returning to their homes. Houses and public buildings were severely damaged, and unexploded ordnance (UXOs) was found in several locations.

Thai armoured personnel carriers (APCs) were also seen patrolling the villages, which were illegally occupied during military aggression between December 7 and December 27, 2025.

All photos credit: KT/Khem Sovannara & Chor Sokunthea

-Khmer Times-