Thread: Cambodia claims sergeant killed in border clash with Thai troops

Cambodia’s Defence Ministry issued a statement today, claiming that a sergeant major was killed this morning during a brief gun battle with Thai troops at the Chong Bok border pass in Thailand’s north-eastern province of Ubon Ratchathani.


The statement also claimed the Thai army initiated the exchange by opening fire on Cambodian forces stationed in a trench, which has long served as Cambodia’s outpost in Preah Vihear province.


The victim was identified as Sergeant Major Suwan Rao, 48.


Cambodia’s Defence Ministry said that the battle was not of its choice and that it will discuss the issue with the Thai ministry, to prevent a recurrence and to normalise the situation.


It added that Cambodia is committed to using diplomatic channels to resolve the matter peacefully and intends that the joint border be a place of peace, stability and development for mutual benefit.


It also stated, however, that Cambodia is determined to protect its territorial integrity by all necessary means.


The ministry urged the public not to trust information circulating on social media and instead rely on updates from official sources, particularly the Defence Ministry.


Earlier, the Thai Army stated in a press release that the Suranaree Task Force had received a report at around 5:30am, that Cambodian troops had entered the overlapping border area, violating an agreement between the two countries. The task force then deployed troops to intercept them.


The Cambodian forces allegedly opened fire on the Thai troops, sparking a firefight that lasted about 10 minutes. Thai army claims that there were no casualties on either side.


Shortly afterwards, the deputy commander of the Cambodian force contacted Colonel Boonserm Boonbamrung, deputy commander of the Suranaree Task Force, to request a ceasefire.


Both Thai and Cambodian forces remain in the area.

Cambodia claims sergeant killed in border clash with Thai troops

Border clash between Thai and Cambodian forces in Ubon Ratchathani

Thai and Cambodian border troops engaged in a brief gun battle Wednesday morning, in the Chong Bok border pass in Thailand’s north-eastern province of Ubon Ratchathani.


The Thai Army said in a press release today that the Suranaree Task Force received a report, at about 5.30am, that Cambodian troops had moved into the overlapping border area, in violation of the agreement between the two countries, and it decided to send troops to intercept them.


The Cambodian force opened fire at the Thai troops, triggering a firefight which lasted about ten minutes, said the army, adding that no casualties were reported on either side.


Shortly afterward, the army said the deputy commander of the Cambodian force contacted Colonel Boonserm Boonbamrung, deputy commander of the Suranaree Task Force, seeking a ceasefire.


Both the Thai and Cambodian forces are still in the area.

Border clash between Thai and Cambodian forces in Ubon Ratchathani

Border tensions ease as Thai, Cambodian troops pull back

Thailand and Cambodia agreed today to move their troops 200 metres back from a spot in a disputed area near Thailand’s border in Ubon Ratchathani province, in an effort to ease tensions following a brief exchange of gunfire yesterday.


The agreement resulted from a meeting between Thai Army Commander-in-Chief General Pana Klaewplodthuk and his Cambodian counterpart, General Mao Sophan, held at the Chong Chom Pass in Surin province.


The meeting was urgently convened after both sides clashed briefly, but fatally, with each claiming the other opened fire first.


A Cambodian sergeant was killed at the scene, according to the Cambodian army.


The withdrawal is aimed at reducing tensions, as both sides had initially been ordered to remain stationed along the frontier.


A joint demarcation panel will be assigned to visit the disputed site, to build confidence and ensure that such clashes do not recur.


The Thai side will prepare for potential evacuation, in case of emergency, by setting up eight temporary shelters for civilians. Emergency drills will also be conducted at some schools near the area.


Earlier, the Club of Cambodian Journalists (CCJ) and the Thai Journalists Association (TJA) expressed concern over the continued spread of false information regarding the situation between Thailand and Cambodia.


They warned that this may exacerbate misunderstanding between the two nations.


Therefore, they urged media outlets in both countries to exercise caution and to refrain from publishing or broadcasting information that lacks credible sources or is simply false, especially concerning the shared border, to avoid exploitation of the issue for other purposes.


They also called on social media users in both countries to consider carefully the potential consequences, before sharing information related to the border situation.


The CCJ and TJA hope that the issues currently arising along the border will be resolved peacefully through diplomatic means, to prevent any negative impacts on the long-standing relations between our peoples and nations.

Border tensions ease as Thai, Cambodian troops pull back

This is only a couple of kilometres from the Emerald Triangle, which unsurprisingly is now listed as "temporarily closed".

Thailand plans to close six permanent and 10 temporary checkpoints along the border with Cambodia, as well as suspending the issuance of temporary border passes to tourist attractions at the Preah Vihear ancient temple, in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket province and Prasat Ta Muan Thom ancient ruins, in Phanom Dongrak district of Surin province.


An informed security source said that the closures are necessary to ensure the safety of people living along the border and businesses engaged in cross-border trade.


The border closure is also meant to reduce the possibility of another confrontation between the peoples of the two countries, after Cambodian netizens began stirring up nationalistic sentiments in the aftermath of a recent clash between Thai and Cambodian forces at Chong Bok border pass in Ubon Ratchathani province, which left at least one Cambodian soldiers dead.


Thailand plans to close six permanent and 10 temporary checkpoints along the border with Cambodia, as well as suspending the issuance of temporary border passes to tourist attractions at the Preah Vihear ancient temple, in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket province and Prasat Ta Muan Thom ancient ruins, in Phanom Dongrak district of Surin province.


An informed security source said that the closures are necessary to ensure the safety of people living along the border and businesses engaged in cross-border trade.


The border closure is also meant to reduce the possibility of another confrontation between the peoples of the two countries, after Cambodian netizens began stirring up nationalistic sentiments in the aftermath of a recent clash between Thai and Cambodian forces at Chong Bok border pass in Ubon Ratchathani province, which left at least one Cambodian soldiers dead.


The closed border checkpoints are:
Chong Sa-ngam in Phu Singh district of Si Sa Ket
Chong Chom in Karb Choeng district of Surin
Khlong Loek in Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo
Ban Laem and Ban Pak Kard in Pong Nam Ron district of Chanthaburi
Ban Hat Lek in Khlong Yai in Trat

The closed temporary checkpoints are:
Chong An Ma in Nam Yuen district of Ubon Ratchathani
Ban Ta Phraya in Ta Phraya district of Sa Kaeo
Ban Nong Prue in Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kae
Ban Khao Din in Khlong Hat district of Sa Kaeo
Ban Sap Taree in Soi Dao district of Chanthaburi
Ban Bueng Chanang Lan in Pong Nam Ron district of Chanthaburi
Ban Suan Som in Soi Dao district of Chanthaburi
Ban Muen Dan and Ban Chamong in Bo Rai district of Trat
Chong Sai Takoo in Ban Kruat district of Buri Ram

Thailand to close 16 checkpoints along border with Cambodia

An informed security source said that the closures are necessary to ensure the safety of people living along the border and businesses engaged in cross-border trade.

The border closure is also meant to reduce the possibility of another confrontation between the peoples of the two countries

And it's also a punishment and a bit of blackmail of course.

Just more chest thumping!

Plenty of more important issues that both countries should be concentrating on.

Burapa task force mobilised as dispute with Cambodia escalates

Thailand’s Burapha Task Force, which oversees the Thai-Cambodian border, has moved its troops and weapons to a police compound in the border province of Sa Kaeo, in readiness for any possible border emergency.


Commander, Major General Benchapon Dechatiwong na Ayutthaya, said yesterday's relocation is intended to reassure the public that, if a conflict arises at the border, the army will be there to protect them.


“Once they receive orders, our troops and weapons will act quickly to ensure the safety of the people,” he said.


Images of the relocation were circulating on major Thai news and social media platforms, garnering supportive comments for the army and criticism of Cambodia.

Tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border rose following a brief confrontation with Cambodian soldiers in a disputed area on May 28.


A Cambodian sergeant was killed during the exchange of gunfire, according to the Cambodian army.


Military chiefs held an urgent meeting to de-escalate the situation, which resulted in both sides agreeing to withdraw from the disputed site, pending a joint panel’s visit to the area.


It appears that the Cambodian side, especially former prime minister Hun Sen, is seeking to resolve the dispute through the International Court of Justice, but claims that the land in question belongs to Cambodia.

Burapa task force mobilised as dispute with Cambodia escalates

Hun Sen wants the World Court to resolve ongoing land dispute with Thailand

Former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen has insisted that the “Emerald Triangle” is on Cambodian soil and is calling for Thailand and Cambodia to settle this issue at the International Court of Justice, according to the Phnom Penh Post.


The Post published a photo showing then Prime Minister Hun Sen and his wife, both wearing military fatigues, visiting area over 15 years ago.


“There is no way I could have worn a military uniform and taken photos in that area (if it was foreign territory). At that time, I was receiving Lao soldiers in a ceremonial hall there.


The hall burned down a few years ago,” said Hun Sen.


Both Thai and Cambodian armed forces have dispatched reinforcements to the disputed area, following a brief clash at the Chong Bok border pass in Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province on May 28, which left one Cambodian soldier dead.


Hen Sen has claimed that Cambodian troops have been stationed in “Emerald Triangle” for 14 years, before the Paris Agreement of October 1991 and the signing of the memorandum of understanding in 2000.


He suggested that the UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia could serve as a witness.


The former Cambodian prime minister claimed that, after the May 28th incident, some Thai extremists have posted offensive comments on his Facebook page, with the intention of souring the relationship between Thailand and Cambodia, and are demanding that Cambodia withdraws its troops from the disputed area.


“Cambodia cannot withdraw its troops from its own territory just because Thailand demands it. This same tactic was used by former Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva over a decade ago,” said Hun Sen.


He also said that what the recent clash was just another episode in a recurring effort to grab Cambodian territory by low-level Thai commanders, supported by a Thai extremist group.


The “Emerald Tringle” is a 12 square kilometre area, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia meet.


The land includes Chong Bok, which is in the Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park in Nam Yuen district of Ubon Ratchathani province.


It was the scene of a bloody war between Thai and Vietnamese forces between 1985 and 1987, when Cambodia was occupied by Vietnamese forces. 109 Thai soldiers were killed and Vietnamese forces were driven out of the area.

Hun Sen wants the World Court to resolve ongoing land dispute with Thailand

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

This is only a couple of kilometres from the Emerald Triangle, which unsurprisingly is now listed as "temporarily closed".

There's not much there besides a couple painted rocks, razor wire, and landmines.

Thai spokesman refutes Hun Sen's claim over disputed border area

In response to former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's assertion that the disputed border area, where a fatal clash with Thai troops occurred last month, belongs to Cambodia, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura emphasized that Hun Sen’s statement carries no legal weight or consequence.


He reiterated that the Thai army acted in accordance with the rules of engagement and both international and Thai laws during its confrontation with Cambodian troops on May 28, aiming to protect Thailand's sovereignty.


The spokesman expressed condolences for the Cambodian soldier who was killed during the encounter in a disputed area near Ubon Ratchathani’s Nam Yuen district.


However, he stated, “Thailand adhered to all necessary laws to protect its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its personnel. Our response was appropriate and measured.”


The Thai side has also urged the media to report the facts and truth about the situation as accurately as possible.

Thai spokesman refutes Hun Sen'''s claim over disputed border area

Vietnamese border raids in Thailand - Wikipedia

Good link although it's very brief. I'd have been interested in more detail.

That was a great link for those smart enough to scroll and click on the causes and incidents tabs.

Thai army denies sending spy drone across the border into Cambodia

Thai army denies Cambodian claims of drone spying, says no drone was sent across the border and footage shown online does not feature Thai equipment.
The Royal Thai Army has firmly denied an online report by Cambodian media alleging that a Thai drone was flown across the border to spy on Cambodian troops.


Major General Winthai Suvari, the army’s spokesman, stated that the Thai military does not require drones for such surveillance, as Cambodian troop movements are often visible through social media and public online sources.


Winthai also rejected claims that the drone shown in a report by Fresh News TV, a Cambodian online media outlet, belonged to the Thai army.




Fresh News TV had released a video clip showing three Cambodian soldiers, one of whom was holding a drone. In the clip, a soldier claimed he had shot down a drone allegedly flown by the Thai military in violation of Cambodian airspace, accusing Thailand of increasing incursions to monitor Cambodian troop positions.


The soldier further claimed that the drone had been seized on Monday.


Winthai dismissed the report as fabricated, urging Thai citizens to follow information from credible sources only. He stated that most Cambodian media reports on the issue were false.

He clarified that both Thai and Cambodian forces possess drones, and the one shown in the video did not belong to the Thai military.


Winthai also pointed out that the area in Ubon Ratchathani near the border remains undemarcated, so drone activity in the vicinity cannot definitively be attributed to territorial violations.


“I reaffirm that we have not sent a drone into Cambodia, and the drone shown in the report does not belong to the Thai army,” Winthai said.


“Movements of Cambodian troops and weapons have already been widely posted on social media — we have no need to use a drone.”

Thai army denies sending spy drone across the border into Cambodia

Thai army refutes Cambodian claim that it shot down its spy drone

The Thai army dismissed an allegation in Cambodian media today, claiming that Cambodian troops had shot down a Thai military surveillance drone, which had intruded into Cambodian airspace.


According to the Cambodian media, the troops stationed on the frontline in Preah Vihear province shot the drone down as it was being used by the Thai army to monitor Cambodian troop and equipment movements.


Thai Army Spokesman Maj-Gen Winthai Suvaree dismissed the allegation as fabricated, noting that there was no need to spy on the Cambodian troop movements, as such activities are reported in Cambodian social media.


He pointed out that it is normal for Thai and Cambodian forces to use drones over the un-demarcated border areas, adding that it is possible for drones of either country to encroach on the airspace of the other.


He insisted, however, that the drone the Cambodians claim they shot down did not belong to the Thai army.


He also urged the Thai people to double-check Cambodian media reports concerning Thailand, claiming that most of them are fake news.


According to the Khmer Times, the Thai forces have continued to violate Cambodian territory, with the latest incident involving the unauthorised flight of a drone over frontline areas to conduct surveillance on Cambodian military positions.


The drone was successfully intercepted by Cambodian troops.


The online claimed that on June 2, Cambodian soldiers stationed at the frontline in Preah Vihear Province intercepted a drone that had entered Cambodian airspace for reconnaissance purposes.


Preliminary assessments indicate that the drone was deployed by the Thai military to gather intelligence on the deployment and movement of Cambodian forces.


The online post shares a photo along with the news, depicting four Cambodian soldiers, with one in the center holding an object believed to be a drone.

Thai army refutes Cambodian claim that it shot down its spy drone

First Army Region troops are placed on combat-readiness

Thailand’s First Army Region troops have been placed on combat-readiness, due to the build-up of Thai and Cambodian forces along the mostly un-demarcated Thai-Cambodian border.


Lt-Gen Amarit Boonsuya, commander of the First Army Region inspected troops at a huge barracks in the eastern province of Chon Buri yesterday.


Troops, in combat gear, of the 11th infantry division, the Kanchanaburi-based 9th infantry division, the Lop Buri-based artillery division, the anti-aircraft division and the rapid deployment force troops, together with armoured vehicles, anti-aircraft guns and troop carriers, gathered in the compound of the barracks in a show of Thai military strength.

Lt-Gen Amarit inspected the troops and urged them all to have confidence in their capabilities and to be ready to sacrifice to protect their motherland.


Thailand’s eastern border with Cambodia is under the jurisdiction of the Second Army Region.

First Army Region troops are placed on combat-readiness