Cambodian soldier killed in clash with Thai army – DW – 05/28/2025
Thailand's military said Cambodian soldiers entered a disputed area near Ubon Ratchathani province. Both countries claim the other fired first.
A Cambodian soldier was killed during clashes with the Thai army along a disputed stretch of border, Cambodia's military said on Wednesday.
"One of our soldiers died during the fight, and there were some injuries, but we don't have detailed figures yet," said Cambodian Royal Army spokesperson Mao Phalla.
Clashes lasted 10 minutes
Phalla confirmed "there were clashes," but said Thai soldiers had attacked Cambodian troops who had been on a routine border patrol in the northern Preah Vihear province, which borders Ubon Ratchathani on the Thai side.
"Our soldier died in the trenches. The Thais came to attack us," he alleged.
Thailand's Royal Army at the same time said the clash took place after Cambodian soldiers began firing first.
The Thai army said in a statement that its soldiers fired back in response to fire from Cambodia's border force.
This, it said, led to an exchange lasting around 10 minutes before the Cambodians requested a ceasefire, according to the Thai army statement.
Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the situation has been resolved and that both sides did not intend to open fire at each other.
Historical border dispute
The neighbors have had a longstanding dispute over their border — spanning more than 800 kilometres (500 miles) — primarily established during the French occupation of Indochina.
In 2008, bloody military clashes erupted over the site of an ancient Khmer temple in Preah Vihear situated near the border.
The International Court of Justice previously ruled in 1962 that the disputed area belonged to Cambodia.
Edited by: Zac Crellin
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