AKP Phnom Penh, January 20, 2026 --

The Pursat Provincial Administration has firmly rejected claims circulated by a Facebook account named Sarath Sun, which alleged that Thai troops had entered deep into Cambodian territory and were freely occupying areas in Pursat province, describing the information as completely false.

According to an official clarification issued by the provincial administration on Jan. 19, the Facebook user Sarath Sun posted a message claiming that Thai soldiers had taken control of the Me Teuk Bridge area, which had previously been damaged by Thai air strikes, and were now stationed there.

In response, the Pursat Provincial Administration clarified the following points:

First, the Me Teuk Bridge, which had earlier been damaged by Thai forces using F-16 aircraft, is currently not occupied by Thai troops, contrary to the social media post. In reality, the site is under repair by public works authorities to restore access and facilitate travel for residents who have returned to their homes.

Second, on Jan. 15–16, 2026, the Governor of Pursat province accompanied and briefed the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) during field visits to four locations. Of these, two sites—O’Pluk Damrei and Chey Chumnas Point of Entry—were affected by Thai military incursions involving the installation of barbed wire inside Cambodian territory. The other two sites, including the Me Teuk Bridge and Point (C1), suffered damage to infrastructure and property only, with no occupation or territorial encroachment by Thai troops. On the same day, the provincial governor also gave an on-site interview at the Me Teuk Bridge.

Third, following the ceasefire agreement on Dec. 27, 2025, approximately 90 percent of displaced residents from Thmar Da commune, Veal Veng district, have returned to their original homes. In particular, residents living near the Me Teuk Bridge have resumed normal daily life and are engaging in income-generating activities, such as producing grass brooms for sale.

The Pursat Provincial Administration therefore categorically rejects the claims made by the Facebook account Sarath Sun, stating that the post disseminated false information and reused old photographs with the intention of exaggeration, incitement, and social destabilisation, which could mislead the public.

By C. Nika