Politics
Thai Army Releases Drone Footage Alleging Cambodian Military Presence at Preah Vihear Temple
The Royal Thai Army has released aerial drone footage purportedly showing Cambodian forces using the Preah Vihear Temple as a base for heavy weaponry.
On September 20, 2026, the Royal Thai Army (RTA) released aerial drone footage that it claims shows Cambodian military personnel utilizing the Preah Vihear Temple complex as a strategic base for heavy weaponry. According to the RTA, the imagery provides evidence of artillery installations positioned within the historic site, which has been a point of long-standing territorial contention between Thailand and Cambodia.
For residents and travelers in the border regions, this development marks a significant escalation in diplomatic and security tensions. While the situation remains localized to the border area, those planning travel to provinces adjacent to the Preah Vihear region should monitor official government advisories closely, as border access and security protocols may change rapidly in response to these claims.
It is important to note that these images and the accompanying allegations have been presented solely by the Royal Thai Army. As of now, the Cambodian government has not issued a formal response to these specific claims, and independent verification of the footage or the current status of the temple grounds has not been provided by international observers. Travelers are advised to avoid speculation and rely on updates from their respective embassies or official Thai government channels regarding regional safety and border crossing status.
