Cambodia Expresses Concern Over Thai Military Actions Near Border, Directs Military to Uphold Loyalty and Strengthen Defense

At the Kampong Thom Regional Military Command in Kampong Thom Province, a meeting was held on the morning of August 3, 2026, to strengthen the roles and duties of the Cambodian People's Army. The meeting was presided over by Major General Som Son, Commander of the Regional Military Operations Command, with the participation of many officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers, who were issued several important directives. Major General Som Son briefed attendees on recent developments. He stated that the Royal Government of Cambodia has been striving to clearly demonstrate to the international community the facts of illegal territorial incursions and violations of sovereignty by the Thai army in certain border areas. He highlighted that Thai soldiers have illegally occupied parts of Cambodian territory, infringing upon the homes and land of Cambodian citizens, which constitutes a grave violation of sovereignty, human rights, and the right to life. Furthermore, it was alleged that the Thai army has destroyed the Preah Vihear Temple, a World Heritage site, and several other temples located within the sovereign territory of the Kingdom of Cambodia. During the meeting, the roles and duties of the Cambodian People's Army were reinforced, and several directives were issued for strict adherence by all military personnel. Firstly, all soldiers must be absolutely loyal to the nation, religion, and the King, and be prepared at all times to carry out their duties in defending territorial integrity against aggression from neighboring countries. Secondly, efforts should be made to disseminate information to families and citizens to ensure their participation in fulfilling military obligations successfully, thereby securing adequate human resources for national defense in the new global context. Thirdly, active participation in the implementation of the government's "Safe Village-Commune" policy should continue to achieve success in various localities. Concurrently, in accordance with the directives of the Royal Government of Cambodia and those of Mr. Noun Pharat, Governor of Kampong Thom Province and Chairman of the Provincial Administrative Unity Command, active participation in preventing, suppressing, and cracking down on natural resource crimes was emphasized to preserve natural resources for future generations. Information Source: AKP Khmer