Surin – The Army spokesperson and the 2nd Army Area Commander visited Prasat Khna to examine the 1,181 wooden steps, confirming the upper section was destroyed and that Thailand holds full control along the entire line. They continue to monitor Cambodian military movements closely. They found a large cache of canned supplies and a command base under the Prasat Khna cliff. Three large beautiful boulders in front of the temple were damaged by artillery fire, leaving only two remaining amid the fighting.
At 13:00 on 19 June 2026, Major General Winthai Suwaree, Army spokesperson, along with Lieutenant General Weerayut Raksin, 2nd Army Area Commander, led a group of journalists to Prasat Khna at the watershed on the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range, Naeng Mud Subdistrict, Kab Chieng District, Surin Province. The visit aimed to follow up on military operations during the second round of fighting late last year. Officials took the media down to a rocky area adjacent to the cliff to view the Cambodian soldiers’ food supply storage used during the conflict, which Thai soldiers have preserved as evidence of Cambodian encroachment. They found many canned foods, including unopened and opened canned steamed rice.
Additionally, Cambodian soldiers had inscribed Khmer script on a large rock near the cliff, reading "Kampuchea Thmey," meaning "New Cambodia," which is also the name of a Facebook page where Cambodian soldiers often post content. This area was also used for live streaming during the time Cambodia controlled the site. A wooden structure intended as a kitchen to support commanding officers was found unfinished, serving as an important Cambodian military command post at Prasat Khna.
At the front of Prasat Khna, there were three large naturally round boulders arranged beautifully, but one was damaged by artillery fire, shattered during the recent fighting. Only two boulders remain intact.
Then, the 2nd Army Area Commander, the Army spokesperson, officials, and journalists laid flowers in tribute at the monument honoring 2nd Lieutenant Therdsak Srilachai, a brave soldier who died in the second round of fighting at Prasat Khna. He was on guard protecting the combat engineer unit creating a path to open a route for tactical units. Despite heavy fire from multiple BM-21 rocket launchers and supporting weapons, Lt. Therdsak bravely fulfilled his duty, enabling Thai forces to successfully seize control of Prasat Khna.
The group then showed the media the first Thai national flagpole planted to mark sovereignty and declare victory at the Prasat Khna border. Nearby were ancient civilization relics, including Shiva Lingam and Yoni stone pillars intricately carved from nearby rock. They also viewed the widely discussed 1,181 wooden steps, which Cambodia had used as the main access route to Prasat Khna and as a tourist attraction. Currently, the 2nd Army Area destroyed about 250 meters of the steps during the second round of fighting out of approximately 450 meters total, leaving only 200 meters. Two layers of barbed wire fencing have now been installed to confirm full Thai control along the line.
The Fine Arts Department’s Nakhon Ratchasima Regional Office 10 began surveys in September 2001 and recently collected 28 relics including Garuda statues and boundary stone markers to study and prepare for restoration. There has been no prior clear evidence of the temple's original artistic style or layout. These artifacts are now preserved at the Surin National Museum.
Currently, this area is controlled by the 26th Infantry Regiment’s Ranger Task Force, 2nd Army Area. Tomorrow (20 June 2026), a merit-making ceremony will be held to honor personnel who died in duty and to bless those serving along the Thai-Cambodian border, with the 2nd Army Area Commander presiding at Prasat Khna.
Major General Winthai Suwaree, Army spokesperson, said the visit today was to show support for personnel and fulfill the Commander-in-Chief’s directive to bring media into the area to understand the real situation. Although the site is difficult, local units have managed it well, especially the steps. The 2nd Army Area confirms full control over the area, including the upper and middle parts of the steps. Only the lower section was destroyed, dispelling concerns about the steps. This should reassure that soldiers are fully committed to defending sovereignty and preventing incursions.
Regarding whether Prasat Khna is a Cambodian focus, the Army spokesperson said it is important due to its elevation, and Cambodia had previously intruded and established a military base there. Elevated terrain provides military advantage, but currently about 90% of such terrain is under Thai control, which should reassure the public. The Army Commander emphasizes not being complacent, maintaining intensive operations focused on three tasks: 1. constant surveillance and readiness; 2. improving strongholds to ensure safety, including developing routes for patrols and logistics; and 3. clearing landmines. All missions must prioritize maximum safety.
Regarding government policy on the Thai-Cambodian border situation and its effect on military duties, the Army spokesperson said soldiers continue as usual with two roles: operational and diplomatic. This aligns with international standards—military operations are primary during conflict, while diplomacy guides conduct afterward, ensuring compliance with rules accepted by society.
Lieutenant General Weerayut stated that Prasat Khna is a strategically important site on the Thai-Cambodian border and was the primary target for recapture operations. He confirmed the Army now controls the entire line and closely monitors border developments. While equipment arrivals have been reported, no movements have been confirmed yet. He stressed that equipment reception requires training, time, and full logistics such as roads and fuel, but the situation is continuously monitored.
All areas from the 1st and 2nd Army Areas to Chanthaburi and Trat provinces are under close surveillance, with ongoing assessments of personnel, weapons, and logistics support.
"Every area is important. We must prepare personnel, resources, and training. Those who are more ready, move faster, and have greater capability have a better chance to operate effectively," said Lieutenant General Weerayut.