Thailand, Dec 08 : A Thai soldier was killed and four others injured in the latest clash along the disputed Thailand–Cambodia border, highlighting renewed tensions between the two ASEAN neighbours. The confrontation occurred early Monday in Ubon Ratchathani province, with Thai army officials claiming that Cambodian forces opened fire on Thai troops using “supporting fire weapons,” prompting an exchange of fire.
Cambodia, however, rejected Bangkok’s account, asserting that Thai forces initiated the attack in the border districts of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey, and that Cambodian units had not retaliated.
The incident marks a fresh flashpoint in a long-standing territorial dispute over densely forested border areas, where rival patrols frequently encounter each other amid lingering mistrust. Observers note that this clash comes shortly after Thailand urged the United Nations to investigate Cambodia’s alleged use of landmines on Thai soil claims Phnom Penh has denied.
The border conflict, centering around the historic Preah Vihear temple and surrounding areas, has simmered for decades, dating back to Cambodia’s independence from France in the 1950s. With casualties rising and both sides trading accusations, the situation underscores the fragile security environment in the region.