Thai Forces Illegally Occupying Nearly 800 Hectares of Cambodian Territory in Banteay Meanchey, Says Governor

Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Eat Sophea (2nd L) and Banteay Meanchey Provincial Governor Oum Reatrey (R) brief foreign diplomats using a map showing where Thai military forces installed barbed wire and shipping containers to block National Road 58 and illegally occupied border village of Chouk Chey in Banteay Meanchey province, as part of a visit to the Cambodia–Thailand border. KT/ Khem Sovannara

#National

Banteay Meanchey Province — Thai military forces have invaded and illegally occupied about 760 hectares of Cambodian territory across three border locations in Banteay Meanchey province, provincial authorities told foreign diplomats and international organisations during an on-site inspection.

The visit, led by Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Eat Sophea, brought foreign envoys to Chouk Chey village, Prey Chan village, and the Boeung Trakuon area, where Thai troops had destroyed civilian homes, filled in natural ponds, and installed shipping containers and barbed wire on Cambodian land.

Banteay Meanchey Provincial Governor Oum Reatrey said Thai forces established fortified positions after the ceasefire that came into effect on 27 December 2025, creating what authorities described as a “fait accompli” situation along the border.

According to the governor, Thai soldiers installed barbed wire and 16 shipping containers at four locations in Chouk Chey village, occupying approximately 137 hectares of Cambodian territory.

In Prey Chan village, 63 containers were placed at three sites, covering 42 hectares of land.

Meanwhile, in the Boeung Trakuon area, which consists of four villages, Thai troops occupied 584 hectares after installing 26 containers at 13 separate locations.

Local authorities said the actions resulted in the destruction of several Cambodian homes and prevented about 11,250 residents from returning to their properties.

The Royal Government of Cambodia has repeatedly stated that it does not recognise any attempt to alter internationally recognised borders or occupy territory through the use of force.

Prime Minister Hun Manet has said Thai forces moved deep into Cambodian territory in several areas beyond maps unilaterally drawn by Thailand without international recognition.

– Khmer Times-
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