On 23/6, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet visited frontline armed forces stationed along the border with Thailand in Preah Vihear province, near a disputed territory with Bangkok.

Cambodian media showed Hun Manet, dressed in military uniform, greeting and addressing the soldiers. Before becoming prime minister, he was a general in the Cambodian army.

Hun Manet praised the soldiers' bravery and assured them of adequate supplies. The Cambodian border troops expressed their determination to protect their territory.

Previously, the Cambodian prime minister accused Thailand of "crossing a red line" in a border clash that killed a Cambodian soldier in the Mom Bei area on 28/5.

"We don't interfere in Thailand's internal affairs, but we will react when you threaten our national security," he said.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet visits troops in Preah Vihear province on 23/6. Photo: Khmer Times

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet visits troops in Preah Vihear province on 23/6. Photo: Khmer Times

On the evening of 23/6, the Royal Thai Army's Facebook page announced increased control at border crossings with Cambodia in five border provinces.

The directive, issued by the 1st and 2nd Army Regions, applies to the Chong Chom crossing in Surin province; Chong Sa-ngam in Si Sa Ket province; Ban Laem, Ban Pakklad, Ban Subtaree, and Ban Suan Som in Chanthaburi province; and Ban Hat Lek and Ban Mamuang in Trat province.

According to the announcement, all vehicles are prohibited from entering or exiting these crossings. Residents, tourists, and commercial goods are also not permitted to pass through. Thai authorities will only allow passage for humanitarian purposes such as medical treatment, education, or essential livelihood needs.

The Royal Thai Army said this move was in response to reports of "Cambodian forces increasing patrols, deploying troops, and bringing people to disputed areas," as well as to address transnational crime and online scams.

Cambodian troops in Preah Vihear province on 23/6. Photo: Khmer Times

Cambodian troops in Preah Vihear province on 23/6. Photo: Khmer Times

Cambodia has not confirmed Thailand's increased border control but denied accusations of being a "center for online scam crime".

Tensions escalated after the shooting incident in the disputed area in May. The Thai military closed the Chong Sai Taku border crossing in Buri Ram province on 21/6, prompting Cambodia to declare this crossing and the nearby Choam crossing "permanently closed." Hun Manet stated that Cambodia will not reopen the crossings until Thailand takes action.

Duc Trung (Khmer Times, Nation Thailand, Bangkok Post)