Thai Army Accuses Cambodia of Using Preah Vihear Temple for Military Operations
The Royal Thai Army has formally accused Cambodian forces of utilizing the UNESCO-listed Preah Vihear Temple as a base for military strikes against Thai personnel and civilians.
On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the Royal Thai Army issued a statement alleging that Cambodia has been using the Preah Vihear Temple as a strategic military base. According to Army deputy spokesman Col. Ritcha Suksuwanon, this base has been utilized to launch attacks against Thai troops and local civilian communities.
This accusation serves as a direct rebuttal to claims made by Cambodian authorities, who have previously alleged that Thai military actions caused damage to the historic UNESCO-listed site. The Thai military maintains that Cambodia is misrepresenting the situation on the ground to shift blame.
For residents and travelers in the border regions, this diplomatic and military friction is significant. Tensions surrounding the Preah Vihear Temple have historically led to border closures and security concerns in the surrounding provinces. While the situation remains fluid, those planning travel to areas near the Thai-Cambodian border should monitor local news and official government travel advisories for updates on regional stability.
At this stage, it remains to be confirmed how both nations will proceed diplomatically to address these conflicting claims. There has been no independent verification of the alleged military activities at the temple site, and the international community has yet to weigh in on these latest developments.
