Thai, Cambodian Troops Exchange Fire at Disputed Border

Thai and Cambodian troops exchanged gunfire early Wednesday in an undemarcated border zone, with no reported casualties, according to official statements from both sides.

The skirmish, which lasted around 10 minutes, occurred in the contested area between Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province and Thailand’s northeastern Ubon Ratchathani province. Both countries have overlapping territorial claims in the region, particularly around Cambodia’s Choam Ksan district and Thailand’s Chong Bok border pass.

Each side blamed the other for starting the incident.

According to the Thai Army, Cambodian troops entered the disputed area around 5:45 a.m. local time (2245 GMT) in breach of a mutual agreement. In response, Thai forces were deployed to intercept them.

“The Cambodian force opened fire at the Thai troops, triggering a firefight which lasted about ten minutes,” the Thai Army told Thai Public Broadcasting Service.

However, Royal Cambodian Army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Mao Phalla offered a different account, stating that Thai soldiers initiated the gunfire during a brief clash, as reported by the Phnom Penh Post.

The Thai Army also claimed that Cambodian forces subsequently requested a ceasefire.

While tensions have eased and the situation appears stable, both armies remain present in the area as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent further escalation.