A serious border incident unfolded near the long-disputed area surrounding the Preah Vihear Temple, as Thailand soldiers reportedly opened fire first at a Cambodian military post. The sudden and unprovoked attack led to a brief but intense exchange of gunfire, prompting international concern and reigniting fears of escalating tensions between the two neighboring nations.
According to eyewitnesses and military sources on the Cambodian side, the clash began early in the morning when Thai troops crossed into a contested zone and suddenly opened fire without prior warning. Cambodian soldiers, initially caught off guard, held their positions and responded only in self-defense. The firefight lasted for about 20 minutes, during which several Cambodian soldiers were wounded, and parts of the nearby post sustained damage.
Cambodian military officials emphasized that their troops did not provoke the attack. “We were simply guarding our position as always. The Thai side fired first. We had no choice but to protect our men and defend our sovereignty,” stated a senior Cambodian commander. The Cambodian government condemned the incident, calling it an act of aggression and demanding an immediate explanation from Thai authorities.
In contrast, Thai military spokespeople initially claimed there had been “a misunderstanding” during routine patrols but later revised their statement to suggest they were reacting to “suspicious movements” near the border. However, footage from the scene and testimony from Cambodian soldiers indicate that the first shots came from the Thai side.
The area around the Preah Vihear Temple has been the source of long-standing disputes between Thailand and Cambodia, often resulting in small but deadly skirmishes. This incident has renewed calls from both ASEAN and international observers for calm and the re-establishment of peaceful dialogue.
In the aftermath, Cambodia has increased patrols in the area but maintained a defensive stance, urging Thailand to respect previously agreed-upon ceasefire protocols. The brave Cambodian soldiers involved in the incident acted not out of aggression, but to protect their land and fellow comrades from an unjustified attack—defending peace, not provoking war.
