In Pictures: Thai Military Uses Shipping Containers to Block Road in Thmar Da
The Thai military early Friday placed shipping containers across a key road in Cambodia’s Thmar Da area, blocking access following weeks of heightened border tensions between the two countries.
According to local officials, the move took place at around 5:40am on February 7, 2026. Thai forces positioned seven large shipping containers directly across the road, preventing vehicles from passing through the area.
The blocked route lies near existing barbed-wire barricades and forms part of a narrow stretch of road commonly known as the “pig’s snout” road. The road leads toward Cambodia’s Koh Kong province and has long been used by local residents for travel and transport.
Containers moved forward at dawn
Witnesses said the containers were moved forward in stages before being lined up tightly along the road. Thai troops were seen monitoring the area as the barricade was completed.
The Thmar Da area was partially occupied by Thai forces during three weeks of military confrontation with Cambodia in December 2025. Cambodian officials have described the occupation as illegal and in violation of existing border agreements.
Friday’s move appears to further consolidate Thai control over access routes in the disputed zone.
Impact on local movement
Local residents said the road closure has disrupted daily movement in the area. Farmers, traders, and transport workers rely on the route to move goods between border communities and inland districts.
“This road is vital for people here,” said one resident. “Blocking it affects everyone.”
No clashes were reported during the placement of the containers, and the situation remained calm as of Friday morning.
Ongoing border tensions
The Thailand–Cambodia border remains a sensitive and contested area, with unresolved boundary issues dating back decades. While both governments have called for restraint, military activity along the frontier has increased since late 2025.
Cambodian authorities have raised concerns through diplomatic channels and urged Thailand to remove barriers that restrict civilian movement.
As of now, the shipping containers remain in place, and access along the Thmar Da route remains fully blocked.
