UBON RATCHATHANI, May 29 (TNA) – Thai and Cambodian soldiers exchanged fire early Wednesday in a disputed border area in Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province.
The 10-minute clash occurred in the Chong Bok area after Thai troops encountered Cambodian soldiers digging a military tactical trench approximately 650 meters long in a claimed overlapping territory. Thai forces attempted to negotiate, citing a violation of a 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), but Cambodian troops reportedly opened fire, prompting Thai troops to retaliate.
Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, spokesman for the Royal Thai Army, confirmed the incident at 5:30 AM, stating that Thai forces approached the Cambodians for talks when misunderstanding led to firing. Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, commander of the 2nd Army Region, reiterated that Thai soldiers were patrolling and found the Cambodian troops digging the ditch. He emphasized that Thai forces uphold sovereignty and will continue patrols in disputed areas, adhering to the MOU.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that all parties are working to de-escalate the situation. Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Pana Klaewplodthuk has instructed troops to exercise restraint and prioritize negotiations, with a meeting scheduled with his Cambodian counterpart Gen Mao Sophan on Saturday, May 31. Phumtham added that he has also spoken with Cambodian Defense Minister General Tea Seiha, and other officials are using all channels to communicate.
Cambodia’s Khmer Times newspaper reported the 10-minute exchange of fire began at 5:45 AM Cambodian time in Cambodia’s Choam Ksant district, bordering Thailand’s Chong Bok. A Cambodian Army spokesman confirmed a brief firefight but asserted that Thailand initiated the firing.
The Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesman stated one Cambodian soldier was killed, maintaining that Thai troops fired without provocation. He stressed the Cambodian army does not seek confrontation and is actively discussing with Thai defense officials to resolve the conflict and normalize the border.
In light of recent events, Dompraditwittaya School in Thailand, which is the closest school to the conflict zone, has been preparing and rehearsing its immediate alert and evacuation plan. This is to ensure prevention and to foster understanding of how to act in case of border clashes. Observations show that the school and its students are well-prepared and understand the procedures thoroughly. The bomb shelters and defensive bunkers also remain strong and safe. -819 (TNA)
