Cambodia fortified border region with Thailand ahead of July skirmish

Maxar Technologies imagery showing defensive positions before (left) and after (right) their excavation near Cambodia's border with Thailand. (Maxar Technologies/Janes)

Field fortifications began appearing at various locations in Cambodia near its border with Thailand months ahead of the July skirmish between the two countries that have now claimed at least 30 lives.

A comparison of satellite images taken between January and August 2025 from various sources indicate that Cambodian forces began clearing and building roads at several elevated sites near Trapeang Kul somewhere in March.

Trapeang Kul is a township in northeastern Cambodia within the Preah Vihear province that borders Thailand and Laos. It is located approximately 400 km north of Phnom Penh.

The access roads were constructed before excavation works for various fortifications that include trenches, reinforced concealment structures, and emplacements for personnel and weapons. These fortifications began appearing between April and May.

Maxar Technologies imagery showing defensive positions before (left) and after (right) their excavation near Cambodia's border with Thailand. (Maxar Technologies/Janes)

Satellite images indicate that these fortifications are largely all located within 500 m of the border between the two countries.

These fortifications include a massive 230×50 m clearing that was built on an elevated feature that lies about 250 m away from the border between Cambodia and Thailand near Trapeang Kul.

This clearing has likely been built to defend the road that runs between this border and the Chong Bok pass, which is situated within the so-called Emerald Triangle tri-border region.

Maxar Technologies imagery showing the site for a 230×50 m defensive clearing before (left) and after (right) their excavation near Cambodia's border with Thailand. (Maxar Technologies/Janes)