Thailand, Cambodia Trade Fire in Border Clash

Thailand’s military returned fire against Cambodian troops in a border incident that left two Thai soldiers wounded, the Thai Foreign Ministry said.

According to spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura, Cambodian forces opened fire on Thai personnel carrying out road work in the Phu Pha Lek–Phlan Hin Paet Kon area, which Bangkok maintains lies within Thai territory. 

Thai troops responded proportionally under the Rules of Engagement, he said, after one soldier was shot in the leg and another in the chest.

Thailand rejected Cambodia’s assertion that Thai forces initiated the exchange, insisting it holds evidence verifying the sequence of events, the location and the injuries sustained by its soldiers.

Earlier reports indicated that a 30-minute shootout took place along the contested stretch of the frontier. Thai units were subsequently placed on high alert, and nearby residents were instructed to shelter for safety as tensions briefly escalated.