Cambodia digs trenches near Trat border

2026-01-26 - 08:34

Cambodian troops have dug trenches in three areas opposite Thailand’s Trat province, extending more than one kilometre along the border and positioning forces about 500 metres from Thai troops, a naval source said on 26 January 2026. The source said the trench construction took place opposite Ban Sam Lang in Trat, covering areas near Ban Tha Sen, Ban Nong Ree and Ban Chamrak. The activity was described as a face-off deployment with Thai forces. According to the source, Cambodian troops expanded the trench line along a stretch of more than one kilometre, parallel to Thai troop positions, following a ceasefire. The trenches were built about 500 metres from Thailand’s own defensive lines as Cambodia adjusted its fortifications. The source stressed that Cambodian forces had not encroached on Thai sovereignty and that the construction was carried out within Cambodian territory. Thai troops were said to remain in a tactically advantageous position. However, Thai authorities detected Cambodian drones conducting reconnaissance and surveillance of Thai positions. Thailand has lodged a formal protest over the drone flights. The source said it was too early to determine whether tensions could escalate into a new round of confrontation, adding that Thai forces remain on alert due to the area’s terrain-sensitive nature.