The Provincial Police Bureau 3 has raised security to the highest level across Surin, Buri Ram, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani provinces following reports of unusual activity along the Thai–Cambodian border.

On Monday, Pol Lt Gen Watana Yijean, who oversees the bureau, inspected operations in Phanom Dong Rak district, where concerns centred on the area around the Prasat Ta Muen Thom archaeological site. The precise nature of the activity has not been disclosed.

Authorities have also alleged that Cambodia dispatched as many as twenty‑three buses carrying Cambodian nationals to the site, leading to tensions with Thai troops stationed at the temple.

Security enhancements include:

• Permanent 24‑hour checkpoints in forested border regions
• Installation of surveillance cameras and drone units linked to command centres
• A forward command centre in Phanom Dong Rak under Pol Maj Gen Prasong Ruangdej
• Joint patrols involving the Provincial Administration Department and volunteer defenders, covering villages, schools, hospitals and government buildings
• Evacuation protocols for local communities in case of escalation

Watana confirmed that vital facilities—such as the Phanom Dong Rak hospital, neighbouring schools and refugee centres—have been prioritised for protection. In addition, one company of officers has been deployed by police headquarters in both Surin and Buri Ram to reinforce the region.

Previous incidents at the site include a February incident when Cambodian soldiers sang their national anthem at the temple, prompting formal protests from Thai military authorities. The disputed temple complex remains one of several contested areas straddling the Thai–Cambodian border. Military crossings and checkpoints have also seen increased monitoring, with some crossings temporarily closed following related incidents.

The elevated security measures come amid broader efforts by Thai police and defence forces to reinforce surveillance and border control in eastern provinces, including Chanthaburi, Trat and Sa Kaeo, in response to ongoing tensions and cross‑border provocations.