Cambodia Strengthens Border Infrastructure Vigilance and Illegal Fishing Crackdown

At the headquarters of the Kampong Thom Provincial Operational Area Command (Military Region 4) on the morning of September 14, 2026, a briefing was held to disseminate recent border situation updates and strengthen the roles and responsibilities of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces among subordinate military personnel. The event was presided over by Major General Som Sun, Commander of the Kampong Thom Provincial Operational Area Command. Major General Som Sun briefed attendees on the recent situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border. He stated that the Thai military continues to violate the joint ceasefire declaration by constructing infrastructure, roads, and trenches, and laying booby traps in several locations, infringing upon Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity even after the ceasefire took effect. He emphasized that Cambodia has exercised restraint, respected the ceasefire, and is committed to resolving border issues peacefully and in accordance with international law. The Royal Government of Cambodia has presented concrete evidence of illegal invasion and occupation of Cambodian territory, as well as plans to destroy Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and other ancient temples within the Kingdom of Cambodia's sovereign territory. Furthermore, Major General Som Sun reinforced the roles and duties of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and issued several directives to all military personnel. These include: 1. Absolute loyalty to the nation, religion, and the King, with a willingness to undertake any labor to defend territorial integrity for the cause of the nation and the Cambodian people. 2. Diligent adherence to the orders of the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Samdech Hun Manet, and all levels of leadership within the armed forces, in cooperation with local authorities and relevant technical institutions, to successfully suppress natural resource offenses and prevent the encroachment and appropriation of state land through deforestation. 3. Continued training and instruction in drills, tactics, and techniques for subordinate military personnel to ensure robust physical fitness and adequate capacity to fulfill their duties. Additionally, attention was drawn to the rise in illegal fishing activities, particularly in areas bordering Stung district, Kampong Thom province, and Chikreng district, Siem Reap province. During the rainy season and the rising waters from Tonle Sap Lake into the Roneam forest, offenders are using illegal fishing gear. Forces assigned to these areas were instructed to resolutely crack down on such illegal equipment to ensure the recovery of national aquatic resources. Source: AKP Khmer