Cambodia had been strengthening forces along its un-demarcated border with Thailand in Preah Vihear province, a military official said yesterday.

Chan Chhorn, an information officer of the National Preah Vihear Authority, said Cambodian forces had been bolstered near the province’s border with Thailand while Thai troop rotations had taken place at Ta Thav, Chak Chreng and Ta Sem.

“We have to prepare ourselves,” he said, adding his forces had to remain on alert following recent Thai assurances their troops would not be pulling out from disputed territory surrounding the 11th-century temple.

In July, both countries were ordered by the International Court of Justice to remove their troops from a 17 kilometre provisional demilitarised zone.

So far, neither side has done so, but progress on the issue is expected to be made at an upcoming meeting of the General Border Committee.

Thai Prime Minster Yingluck Shinawatra said yesterday Thai forces would remain at the border for the time being, the Bangkok Post reported.