ROYAL Cambodian Armed Forces soldiers stationed along the Thai border in Preah Vihear province have moved into eight concrete bunkers following their completion last week.

“We now have eight concrete bunkers at the frontline. They are ready to serve our soldiers,” said Sem Yo, commander of border battalion 404.

The construction of the bunkers, which are about 7 kilometres from Preah Vihear temple, was bankrolled by Prime Minister Hun Sen’s cabinet, he said, which donated 25 tonnes of cement, 5 tonnes of steel and additional funds to purchase sand and gravel.

An additional 25 bunkers made of wood and stone would also be replaced with concrete bunkers in the future, he added.

Chum Sambath, secretary of state at the Ministry of Defence, said the bunkers were built for “self defence” only.