Photo via Khaosod

Images released on January 26, 2026, show Cambodian soldiers constructing trenches near Thai military positions in Trat province. The trenches, extending over a kilometer, remain on Cambodian soil. Thailand lodged protests regarding alleged drone surveillance but noted no territorial breach has occurred.

Cambodian forces commenced trench building across three sites: Ban Tha Sen, Ban Nong Ri, and Ban Chamra. These fortifications face Thai troops roughly 500 meters away, continuing past a previously agreed ceasefire period. Trench construction included extending defensive positions close to Thai locations.

Thai officials affirm that their troops have not crossed into Cambodia. Meanwhile, drone activity attributed to Cambodia has been noted, with possible overflights near Thai areas sparking formal complaints from Bangkok. Despite tensions, current Thai troop placements have not shifted.

The situation remains under close surveillance, partly due to the strategic importance of the area. Cambodian authorities insist their military efforts stay within their borders, prompting no immediate Thai response in terms of military deployment changes. Monitoring and intelligence activities continue.

Military experts and sources underscore that border security remains a crucial concern. Both countries are observing each other's maneuvers, with Thai forces alert to any further developments from the Cambodian side, reported The Thaiger.

Key Takeaways

• Cambodian troops build trenches near Thai borders without incursion.

• Thai protests focus on suspected Cambodian drone surveillance.

• Both nations maintain current troop positions while monitoring closely.

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Thai Navy Detains Cambodian Fishing Boat off Trat

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2026-01-23

 

 

Looks to me that they are getting ready for war. 😂

Bound to fail miserably!

So what is the problem?? Cambodians can do on their soil as they want as Thailand can do... So no need to comment on that

One day they want to have peace talks, next day they dig trenches.

Maybe it is flood control?

Could be a new irrigation ditch?

After so many years of civil war with unknown numbers of landmines still not cleared it's a brave man who digs anywhere in Cambodia.

Fixed defensive positions in the era of drones is unwise I feel.

35 minutes ago, Purdey said:

Fixed defensive positions in the era of drones is unwise I feel.

Yes, it almost feels like a make work project, or maybe just to needle the Thais. But as a defensive measure, probably not particularly effective given Thailands artillery and F16’s.

Coordinates from google earth of the trench site.

12°13'3.27"N x 102°42'55.80"E

The view in the picture is looking South East .

Right near where, The Battle of Ban Chamrak, took place

12°13'29.15"N x 102°42'14.27"E

Things you didn’t know about Trat province. For example, the Thai and Vietnamese armies fought a major battle here 40 years ago.  And if you’re thinking that’s a bit odd as Vietnam doesn’t share a border with Thailand, read on for a modern history lesson.

A lesson that also explains why Koh Chang wasn’t developed for tourists when Phuket and Samui were starting to boom.  The proximity to the Cambodian border made Koh Chang a risky area. Vietnamese incursions, like the one at Ban Chamrak, occurred just a short distance from the island. Military installations and refugee camps were dotted along the mainland coast.  As a result, Koh Chang remained a remote outpost for fishermen and the occasional backpacker well into the 1990s, long after its southern counterparts had become international tourist magnets.

https://iamkohchang.com/blog/battle-of-ban-chamrak.html

On 1/27/2026 at 12:20 PM, ikke1959 said:

So what is the problem?? Cambodians can do on their soil as they want as Thailand can do... So no need to comment on that

Exactly, and thanks.

Thailand has built container walls with associated razor wire and surveillance cameras on the Thai side of the border in Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey and Pursat Provinces

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501820663/video-pictures-thailand-continuing-to-block-off-cambodian-sovereign-territory/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPmoFBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFwRUpLeXg0VlJtaEJxZWZtc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHu37-bp2pkn6LKOnsVScb_3Q6RF6iBKavZ6Ut4A4LynnAkf

Wall?

5 hours ago, Suetape said:

Wall?

Very much so. Another photo of the wall built with 60 containers laid end to end!,My first photo included the razor wire.

To be fair Thailand has built trenches, razor wire fences walls of concrete and sea containers, on disputed land..at least Cambodia is on their territory....it puzzles me why we only get the Thai side of the story....

On 1/27/2026 at 12:20 PM, ikke1959 said:

So what is the problem?? Cambodians can do on their soil as they want as Thailand can do... So no need to comment on that

Just a military exorcise to add to the show.