On Wednesday (May 28), a clash occurred between the Thai and Cambodian armies at dawn in the disputed sovereignty area of Chong Bok, located at the border of Ubon Ratchathani Province in northeastern Thailand and Preah Vihear Province in Cambodia. The conflict resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier and several injuries. Following the incident, both parties swiftly reached a ceasefire agreement and pledged to resolve the dispute through diplomatic channels as soon as possible.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn stated on the same day that she had spoken with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Both sides promised to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and seek a peaceful resolution. She emphasized that the relationship between the two countries' leaders remains good.
The clash occurred around 5:30 AM that day. The Thai military reported that they spotted Cambodian soldiers entering the Chong Bok area and proceeded as per routine to make contact. However, the Cambodian side misconstrued this and opened fire, forcing the Thai side to retaliate. The exchange of fire lasted about 10 minutes.
Local deputy commanders of the Thai and Cambodian armies later communicated to establish a ceasefire, temporarily stabilizing the situation.
However, the Cambodian Ministry of Defense issued a statement accusing the Thai military of first firing upon trenches used long-term by the Cambodian side, resulting in the death of one soldier and injuries to several others. Cambodia stressed that it did not wish for conflict to occur and expressed willingness to continue seeking a peaceful resolution through diplomatic means, in cooperation with Thailand, to prevent recurrence.
There were no casualties on the Thai military side. Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan stated that the conflict arose from a misunderstanding, claiming the Cambodian side opened fire first and the Thai military responded to protect itself and national sovereignty. He reaffirmed that the Chong Bok area has not yet been officially demarcated, and both sides had previously agreed not to conduct any military construction or alter the status quo in the area, except for joint non-armed patrols.
Commander of the Thai 2nd Army Region, Vonsin Chintharat, indicated that the Thai military will continue to be stationed at the site until the Cambodian troops withdraw.
It is noted that although the Chong Bok area lies along a sensitive border, historically there have been few fatal conflicts. However, recent tensions have slightly increased. On May 18, the Thai army reported spotting Cambodian soldiers digging trenches in the area. After discussions between both parties, the Cambodian side had previously withdrawn. This marks the second occurrence of similar situations.
The Thai-Cambodian border has long-standing territorial disputes. In February this year, a group of Cambodian officers and their families sang the Cambodian national anthem while visiting the Tamuan Toang Temple at the border, prompting dissatisfaction from the Thai side and resulting in intervention, indicating that instability factors remain present.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn stated on the same day that she had spoken with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Both sides promised to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and seek a peaceful resolution. She emphasized that the relationship between the two countries' leaders remains good.
The clash occurred around 5:30 AM that day. The Thai military reported that they spotted Cambodian soldiers entering the Chong Bok area and proceeded as per routine to make contact. However, the Cambodian side misconstrued this and opened fire, forcing the Thai side to retaliate. The exchange of fire lasted about 10 minutes.
Local deputy commanders of the Thai and Cambodian armies later communicated to establish a ceasefire, temporarily stabilizing the situation.
However, the Cambodian Ministry of Defense issued a statement accusing the Thai military of first firing upon trenches used long-term by the Cambodian side, resulting in the death of one soldier and injuries to several others. Cambodia stressed that it did not wish for conflict to occur and expressed willingness to continue seeking a peaceful resolution through diplomatic means, in cooperation with Thailand, to prevent recurrence.
There were no casualties on the Thai military side. Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan stated that the conflict arose from a misunderstanding, claiming the Cambodian side opened fire first and the Thai military responded to protect itself and national sovereignty. He reaffirmed that the Chong Bok area has not yet been officially demarcated, and both sides had previously agreed not to conduct any military construction or alter the status quo in the area, except for joint non-armed patrols.
Commander of the Thai 2nd Army Region, Vonsin Chintharat, indicated that the Thai military will continue to be stationed at the site until the Cambodian troops withdraw.
It is noted that although the Chong Bok area lies along a sensitive border, historically there have been few fatal conflicts. However, recent tensions have slightly increased. On May 18, the Thai army reported spotting Cambodian soldiers digging trenches in the area. After discussions between both parties, the Cambodian side had previously withdrawn. This marks the second occurrence of similar situations.
The Thai-Cambodian border has long-standing territorial disputes. In February this year, a group of Cambodian officers and their families sang the Cambodian national anthem while visiting the Tamuan Toang Temple at the border, prompting dissatisfaction from the Thai side and resulting in intervention, indicating that instability factors remain present.