Reports from a Thai Facebook page allege that Cambodian soldiers are setting fires along the Thai-Cambodian border to obscure visibility and move troops and equipment. The page, called Army Military Force, described the fires as a tactical maneuver rather than agricultural clearing. These claims come amid ongoing tensions in the area, though no official confirmation has been received from Thai authorities.

Get today's headlines by email

The Facebook page alleged cooperation between Cambodian soldiers and local villagers to ignite these fires, describing it as a “tactical information filtering strategy.” The intention, according to the posts, is to reduce visibility for Thai forces, who reportedly hold higher ground and have been intercepting Cambodian communications. The page dismissed rumours that the fires were meant to destroy PMN-2 landmines, asserting that Cambodian forces have minefield maps to avoid such tactics.

The post also claimed that Thai forces previously obtained Cambodian minefield maps during key operations, including the retaking of Hill 350 and other strategic locations. Allegations suggest Cambodian mines are concentrated around operational bases and along Thai patrol routes rather than the wider forest area, stretching 798 kilometers and covering approximately 2,400 square kilometers. The speculation about Cambodian plans to seize Thai provinces was also dismissed by the page due to Cambodia’s reported strategic disadvantages.

Experts have yet to weigh in, and no official response has been given by Thai authorities regarding these claims. The lack of confirmation leaves the situation tense, with ongoing discussions about the true nature and implications of the alleged activities. As the situation develops, both nations continue to face scrutiny over border management and military strategies.

Looking forward, the focus will likely remain on de-escalating tensions and seeking clarification from official channels. Military analysts may closely monitor communications and movements for any further developments. The ongoing border situation necessitates diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes peacefully.

Key Takeaways

• Allegations claim Cambodian troops use forest fires tactically along the border.

• Thai forces reportedly have a strategic advantage with high ground visibility.

• Official confirmation is still pending as the situation remains tense.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 16 Feb 2026

View full record

Cambodia can do on their land as they want.. What Thailand thinks it is is not important and not even done to interfere in another country....But Thailand wants to control everything and everybody, but it can't be done over the borders. And as long Cambodia is not doing anything, Thailand can think the worst, but there is no proof yet.... so why claim rising border tensions.. It is made up by Thailand

The Thai Facebook page “Army Military Force” has alleged that Cambodian soldiers were deliberately setting fires along the border as a tactical maneuver.

“…The intention, according to the posts, is to reduce visibility for Thai forces, who reportedly hold higher ground and have been intercepting Cambodian communications…”

However, according to the Top News report I watched this morning, the attempt appears to have backfired badly thanks to a change in wind direction, destroying some Cambodian buildings rather than obscuring Thai positions.

With no official confirmation yet from Thai authorities, this remains speculative.

One thing is painfully clear though: incidents like this only add fuel to the fire.

Tensions along the frontier are already high, and indiscriminate actions, especially if civilians get involved, could easily escalate into renewed conflict.

15 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Cambodia can do on their land as they want.. What Thailand thinks it is is not important and not even done to interfere in another country....But Thailand wants to control everything and everybody, but it can't be done over the borders. And as long Cambodia is not doing anything, Thailand can think the worst, but there is no proof yet.... so why claim rising border tensions.. It is made up by Thailand

hmmmmmmmm ... where's an F-16 when you need one !

On 2/16/2026 at 6:16 PM, snoop1130 said:

Allegations claim Cambodian troops use forest fires tactically along the border.

Thai paranoia again? Nothing more harmless than forest fires ready for the mushroom season!

55 minutes ago, Burma Bill said:

Thai paranoia again? Nothing more harmless than forest fires ready for the mushroom season!

This.

It's the time of year. It's heating up and the spontaneous combustion of the dry leaf fall in uninhabited forested areas is a regional thing, not a Cambodian border thing. Some of the local TV channels spends at least 20 minutes every morning streaming fresh video from Thai and Cambodian FaceBook pages, interspersed with months-old footage of tanks, burned out PTT stations (again) and F-16's. This morning's special was the Thai navy allegedly chasing Cambodian fishing boats a few days ago, complete with very impressive and well choreographed drone footage.

On 2/16/2026 at 6:33 AM, ikke1959 said:

Cambodia can do on their land as they want.. What Thailand thinks it is is not important and not even done to interfere in another country....But Thailand wants to control everything and everybody, but it can't be done over the borders. And as long Cambodia is not doing anything, Thailand can think the worst, but there is no proof yet.... so why claim rising border tensions.. It is made up by Thailand

Whoa. Look at what you are justifying and defending: Setting forests on fire, creating a natural catastrophe and toxic clouds of smoke. If true, then Cambodia is truly evil and selfish in its antagonism of Thailand.

You do not know if it is a fabricated story. We all know that there is a problem with jungle fires in this region. We also know that Cambodia has a long history of environmental crimes including state sanctioned poaching and destruction of forest areas. The Khmer Rouge financed its campaign of terror through the export of precious stones mined by slave labour, poached endangered animals, and the sale of rare old growth wood. Not much in respect to the callousness and corruption of the Cambodian government has changed since the days of Pol Pot. Maybe the claim is unfounded, but it merits investigation.

Give me another 2-3 weeks I'll be taking forest fires pictures for you deep within Thailand. Please go after the Cambodians but first you need to police your own territory and get this problem under control.

To their credit they've posted and announced over the village intercoms to not burn as of January which has largely been complied with. However this means nothing if even a single forest fire is lit which most assuredly it will be.

Situations like this show how important it is to rely on verified information from official sources before drawing conclusions. Border tensions can lead to speculation, especially on social media. It will be important to see if authorities provide confirmation or clarification, since misunderstandings can increase concern and affect regional stability and public perception.

23 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

Whoa. Look at what you are justifying and defending: Setting forests on fire, creating a natural catastrophe and toxic clouds of smoke. If true, then Cambodia is truly evil and selfish in its antagonism of Thailand.

You do not know if it is a fabricated story. We all know that there is a problem with jungle fires in this region. We also know that Cambodia has a long history of environmental crimes including state sanctioned poaching and destruction of forest areas. The Khmer Rouge financed its campaign of terror through the export of precious stones mined by slave labour, poached endangered animals, and the sale of rare old growth wood. Not much in respect to the callousness and corruption of the Cambodian government has changed since the days of Pol Pot. Maybe the claim is unfounded, but it merits investigation.

How many Thai people all over the country are making wildfires every day??? I like to walk around early morning and when I do I see at least at 3 places every day people burn rubbish and leaves or are making charcoal.... A lot of smoke so please don't blame others....And than I won't talk about Thailand and all the forests and illegal buildings they have done.. so please don't blame others while the country here can improve much more...What Cambodia is doing on their soil is theirs.. Thailand should stick at its own

More videos this morning of Thai soldiers learning how to shoot, tanks and APC driver training and Cambodian soldiers moving around a jungle or riding in pickup trucks in flat and open country. Feeds the war like narrative while the national election vote count is still stuck at around 94% complete, ten days after the last vote was count (and a few early ones were annulled).

A while back when Cambodia and Thailand were still exchanging skirmishes, I wanted to book into a hotel with my Thai wife. As I am a resident of Thailand, and according to Thai immigration, all I have to do is present my Thai ID card. I am not required to present my passport to anyone if I have a Thai ID card. However, the receptionist demanded to see my passport. When I asked her why, she said: "We are at war with Cambodia and we have to make sure you're not a spy!". Looky, looky.... I really don't see how a lily-white "farang" in his sixties (me), accompanied with his Thai wife, could be a spy. No one asked my Asian-looking partner to present her passport!!! And my passport doesn't say whether I'm a spy or not. I have come to accept that many Thai people (not all of them) twist and turn, manipulate, lie and embellish to make themselves important or to hide ignorance and naivety. I admit, I have no idea what the fires are about in Cambodia - but neither do those who dramatise it. Thais burn rubbish and grass all day long and all over Thailand. Despite it being illegal, the police do not stop the burning. Let's start within Thailand's own borders and stop illegal burning and then work our way outwards once we have cleaned up our own back yard.

15 hours ago, Burma Bill said:

Thai paranoia again? Nothing more harmless than forest fires ready for the mushroom season!

You're clearly not very bright. Forest fires create lots of toxic emissions that can cause respiratory illnesses, obscure visibility and destroy the health and lives of millions. Such fires can potentially also spread to nearby properties and other infrastructure. "Mushroom hunters" who burn forests should be jailed for decades.

13 minutes ago, highrider said:

You're clearly not very bright. Forest fires create lots of toxic emissions that can cause respiratory illnesses, obscure visibility and destroy the health and lives of millions. Such fires can potentially also spread to nearby properties and other infrastructure. "Mushroom hunters" who burn forests should be jailed for decades.

25 years ago the air in Bangkok was unhealthy already.. Thailand wants to make rules for everyone except for themselves...you are the same in your comment.. Look around how many temples and people make wildfires as the RTP is not enforcing the law... So why complain about others

4 hours ago, ZigM said:

A while back when Cambodia and Thailand were still exchanging skirmishes, I wanted to book into a hotel with my Thai wife. As I am a resident of Thailand, and according to Thai immigration, all I have to do is present my Thai ID card. I am not required to present my passport to anyone if I have a Thai ID card. However, the receptionist demanded to see my passport. When I asked her why, she said: "We are at war with Cambodia and we have to make sure you're not a spy!". Looky, looky.... I really don't see how a lily-white "farang" in his sixties (me), accompanied with his Thai wife, could be a spy. No one asked my Asian-looking partner to present her passport!!! And my passport doesn't say whether I'm a spy or not. I have come to accept that many Thai people (not all of them) twist and turn, manipulate, lie and embellish to make themselves important or to hide ignorance and naivety. I admit, I have no idea what the fires are about in Cambodia - but neither do those who dramatise it. Thais burn rubbish and grass all day long and all over Thailand. Despite it being illegal, the police do not stop the burning. Let's start within Thailand's own borders and stop illegal burning and then work our way outwards once we have cleaned up our own back yard.

That wasn't a "while back" it was recently.

Where did this occur? What district or town/city in which province?

You do have to understand though that Thailand is generally becoming stricter with passport/ID checks of foreigners (I don't think this necessarily has much to do with the Thai-Cambodian conflict but it has certainly accelerated this push) partly to ensure that foreigners are in the country legally.

Since the conflict though, foreigners who find themselves in the general vicinity of the Cambodian border (I'd say, anywhere south of highway 24, or east of the Chanthaburi-Sra Kaew highway or anywhere east of Trat city) COULD find themselves asked for a passport and questioned as to what they're doing in the area. Normally, after a quick check, you'll be allowed to go on your way, although some border areas are out of bounds (even to Thais) including the disputed border temples and the Emerald Triangle viewpoint.

With the scam center situation at the Thai- Burmese border, it's similar...they'll randomly ask all foreigners (including Asian foreigners) for their passports when entering and exiting Mae Sot along route 12 (although it's inconsistent...sometimes you won't be asked on entry but will be on exit or vice versa) and you even have to stand in front of your vehicle or if you travel by bus, in front of the bus, holding your passport, which they will photograph. Checks along route 105 between Mae Sot and Tha Song Yang are more casual...if they do ask for your passport (generally at the Mae La refugee camp checkpoint), it won't be photographed (unlike along route 12) and you can get away with showing your Thai driver's license instead. Even more bizarrely, inland route 1175 between Mae Ramad and Ban Tak doesn't allow foreigners to pass at all since January 2025 (or if they are now allowing it again, it must have been quietly permitted without fanfare in recent weeks or months), even if you arrive with your own vehicle, can speak Thai and have nothing to hide.

Yet Thais aren't asked for anything, despite many Thais being kidnapped and forced to work in scam centers, including just in the last few days. There are hardly any westerners in these scam centers and a westerner driving their own car to Mae Sot (or say beyond, to Umphang, which requires one to pass through Mae Sot, since there is no road connecting Umphang with either Sangkhlaburi or Kampaeng Phet) necessitating a long detour via Mae Sot and the mountain pass with 1219 curves is hardly likely to travel there with the intention of working in a scam center. Yet these dimwits think that asking for passports will "solve" the problem of illegal entry.

Some places, north and south of Mae Sot in fact still allow it...and even foreigners are generally permitted to cross, especially if you go with a local. In theory, one could go to Myanmar that way and travel internally to get to one of the scam centers if you wanted. Wouldn't be difficult...not that I recommend it of course!

It's still extremely easy to illegally cross into Myanmar if you know where and nothing much is being done to solve this issue, other than a few routes being closed for the time being for security reasons (including Nong Luang to Waley also known as the "Burmese shortcut").

So yeah, your story about "checking for spies" as an excuse sounds like a ridiculous excuse given by the hotel clerk.

Just now, ikke1959 said:

25 years ago the air in Bangkok was unhealthy already.. Thailand wants to make rules for everyone except for themselves...you are the same in your comment.. Look around how many temples and people make wildfires as the RTP is not enforcing the law... So why complain about others

It is a LOT worse now...although this year, so far, Bangkok's air quality is better than it was last year...though it's too early to pop the champagne corks, since there was definitely bad air quality about a month ago for a week and it's been at best, moderate since then.

I rightfully complain about the ones who CAUSE a big part of the problem. You're living in denial and pretending there isn't an issue.

"Temples making fires" LOL. I've not seen even one temple do that, except when there's a cremation. You must be living in a different Thailand to me...also, those burning forests are clearly harming far more people than someone burning a little bit of trash.

4 hours ago, ZigM said:

A while back when Cambodia and Thailand were still exchanging skirmishes, I wanted to book into a hotel with my Thai wife. As I am a resident of Thailand, and according to Thai immigration, all I have to do is present my Thai ID card. I am not required to present my passport to anyone if I have a Thai ID card. However, the receptionist demanded to see my passport. When I asked her why, she said: "We are at war with Cambodia and we have to make sure you're not a spy!". Looky, looky.... I really don't see how a lily-white "farang" in his sixties (me), accompanied with his Thai wife, could be a spy. No one asked my Asian-looking partner to present her passport!!! And my passport doesn't say whether I'm a spy or not. I have come to accept that many Thai people (not all of them) twist and turn, manipulate, lie and embellish to make themselves important or to hide ignorance and naivety. I admit, I have no idea what the fires are about in Cambodia - but neither do those who dramatise it. Thais burn rubbish and grass all day long and all over Thailand. Despite it being illegal, the police do not stop the burning. Let's start within Thailand's own borders and stop illegal burning and then work our way outwards once we have cleaned up our own back yard.

Secondly, you don't have a "Thai ID" unless you're a Thai citizen, in which case, that's what you would show them. You show your passport in all other cases (unless you're a permanent resident).

Yes, MOST hotels accept Thai drivers licenses in lieu of a passport but already more than 10 years ago, I was occasionally asked to present a passport for check-in at certain hotels in places like Mae Sot and Ubon Ratchathani. Long before any conflict between Thailand and Cambodia and at a time when even the Thai-Myanmar borders were fully open. In the case of Mae Sot, the hotel I stayed only wanted ONE passport for all the members in my group, so I had my friend present his and I didn't have to show anything myself....this happened only after I showed my Thai driver's license, which was rejected. This was in late 2014 by the way.

In December 2019, I spent a night in downtown Ubon on my way from Mae Sot to Laos. I was also asked to present my passport upon check-in, while in Mae Sot, at the usual hotel I stay in, they don't require one and accept a Thai DL. I only stayed at that hotel in 2014 once, because my usual hotel was full.

14 minutes ago, highrider said:

You're clearly not very bright. Forest fires create lots of toxic emissions that can cause respiratory illnesses, obscure visibility and destroy the health and lives of millions. Such fires can potentially also spread to nearby properties and other infrastructure. "Mushroom hunters" who burn forests should be jailed for decades.

With respect, I can assure you I am a very bright Forensic Expert but I was talking from experience living 20 years among the forests of Northern Thailand. Yes, I do know what toxic emissions and fires can sadly cause BUT before the rainy season arrives many thousands of mushroom hunters go into the forests to set light to them ready to gather mushrooms after the rains arrive. It is way of life for them and for the poor, mushrooms mean money. None will ever be arrested and jailed for decades, there are too many of them It is not only Thailand but also a custom in Burma and Laos.

Stock photo of a typical Thai roadside stall selling wild mushrooms gathered after the rains arrived. I have bought many like these during my travels among the forests and mountains of Lanna.

3 minutes ago, Burma Bill said:

With respect, I can assure you I am a very bright Forensic Expert but I was talking from experience living 20 years among the forests of Northern Thailand. Yes, I do know what toxic emissions and fires can sadly cause BUT before the rainy season arrives many thousands of mushroom hunters go into the forests to set light to them ready to gather mushrooms after the rains arrive. It is way of life for them and for the poor, mushrooms mean money. None will ever be arrested and jailed for decades, there are too many of them It is not only Thailand but also a custom in Burma and Laos.

Stock photo of a typical Thai roadside stall selling wild mushrooms gathered after the rains arrived. I have bought many like these during my travels among the forests and mountains of Lanna.

You're making excuses because they're "poor".

Poverty isn't an excuse for breaking the law.

These people SHOULD be jailed (small numbers have been, I believe).

They're criminals.

I would never purchase their mushrooms either...for me they're "blood mushrooms".

55 minutes ago, highrider said:

You're making excuses because they're "poor".

Poverty isn't an excuse for breaking the law.

These people SHOULD be jailed (small numbers have been, I believe).

They're criminals.

I would never purchase their mushrooms either...for me they're "blood mushrooms".

NO, I am not making excuses for poverty! IT IS WAY OF LIFE! Take a tour up north and see for your self, rather than making stupid unfounded comments!

\No further comments from me.

22 minutes ago, Burma Bill said:

NO, I am not making excuses for poverty! IT IS WAY OF LIFE! Take a tour up north and see for your self, rather than making stupid unfounded comments!

\No further comments from me.

Your comments are beyond stupid.

Again, you're making excuses for poverty...therefore, whatever you say on any topic can be safely ignored.

On 2/18/2026 at 3:10 PM, highrider said:

Secondly, you don't have a "Thai ID" unless you're a Thai citizen, in which case, that's what you would show them. You show your passport in all other cases (unless you're a permanent resident).

Yes, MOST hotels accept Thai drivers licenses in lieu of a passport but already more than 10 years ago, I was occasionally asked to present a passport for check-in at certain hotels in places like Mae Sot and Ubon Ratchathani. Long before any conflict between Thailand and Cambodia and at a time when even the Thai-Myanmar borders were fully open. In the case of Mae Sot, the hotel I stayed only wanted ONE passport for all the members in my group, so I had my friend present his and I didn't have to show anything myself....this happened only after I showed my Thai driver's license, which was rejected. This was in late 2014 by the way.

In December 2019, I spent a night in downtown Ubon on my way from Mae Sot to Laos. I was also asked to present my passport upon check-in, while in Mae Sot, at the usual hotel I stay in, they don't require one and accept a Thai DL. I only stayed at that hotel in 2014 once, because my usual hotel was full.

I understand. You're one of those who make up their own reality to appear to be important. You must be really bored. I have a Thai ID card. My Thai ID card is called a Thai ID card because it is issued by the local Thai authority. They are the ones who called it a "Thai ID card" because it is issued by a Thai authority for use in Thailand. The Thai ID card for foreign temporary residents is also called the Pink ID Card (formally the Identification Card for Foreigner). It is issued to non-Thai nationals with long-term visas who are registered in a yellow house book (Tabien Baan), providing a 13-digit identification number for use in place of a passport for local transactions. I have never heard of permanent residency for a non-Thai in Thailand. As per a lengthy notice issued by Thai Immigration in 2013, the purpose of introducing a "Thai ID card" for foreigners who are temporary residents is to make life more convenient by not having to drag a passport around everywhere. According to Immigration and the local office that issued the "Thai ID card", I can book a hotel, hire a car, open a bank account and do almost everything that a Thai citizen can do, except vote. It was pointed out to me when the card was handed to me that I can now also access various public services. Are you saying that Thai Immigration and local council staff who issued the ID are wrong? Also, when you ramble on about tightened security regarding foreigners, that is a call that only Thai police/Immigration can make. A hotel clerk has no authority whatsoever to make Thai immigration policy or to make up nonsense.