Cambodian Defence Minister Visits Border Troops as Tensions with Thailand Rise

PHNOM PENH, April 6, 2026 (KPT ) – Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, General Tea Seiha, has visited troops along the Thai border ahead of the Khmer New Year, as tensions between the two countries escalate.

During visits on April 5 and 6, Tea Seiha met soldiers stationed in Military Regions 3 and 5, including deployments in Koh Kong, Pursat, Banteay Meanchey and Battambang provinces.

He thanked frontline personnel for safeguarding Cambodia’s territorial integrity and extended New Year greetings, invoking the traditional four Buddhist blessings.

The visits came after Cambodia accused Thai forces of conducting land-clearing operations in disputed territory near the Preah Vihear Temple.

Officials said Thai troops installed barbed wire and deployed armoured vehicles in Sra Em commune, Choam Ksan district, on April 4.

Phnom Penh described the actions as inconsistent with agreements reached under the Joint Statement of the General Border Committee in December 2025.

Cambodia said the activities violated its sovereignty under the Franco-Siamese Convention of 1904 and Treaty of 1907, urging Thailand to halt unilateral actions.

Authorities reported more than 640,000 people displaced by the situation, with nearly 35,000 still unable to return home.

Schools and health centres remain closed in parts of Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces.