Latest news with #Phalla
American Military News
6 days ago
- Politics
- American Military News
Cambodian border troops in brief firefight with Thai military
Cambodian and Thai troops reportedly exchanged gunfire for approximately 10 minutes at 5.45am this morning, May 28, in Preah Vihear province's Choam Ksan district, which borders the Chon Bak area of Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province, according to Thai media. Major General Mao Phalla, spokesperson for the Royal Cambodian Army, confirmed the skirmish with Trayorng News, a media outlet close to the Ministry of Interior. 'A brief clash did occur. The Thai side initiated the gunfire,' he said. A Thai official claimed that their troops were fired upon while conducting a routine patrol. Phalla added that he was still gathering information and consulting with his superiors before providing further details on the incident. The Post reached out to Chhum Socheat, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence, for clarification, but he was too busy to comment as he was attending the closing of the 'Golden Dragon' joint Chinese-Cambodian military exercises. According to The Nation Thailand, the clash, which resulted in no reported casualties, occurred in a disputed border area which is claimed by both sides. 'Both Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to maintain the status quo in this area to avoid destabilising the border, prohibiting activities such as construction, troop movements or excavations without prior notification,' it said. ___ © 2025 the Asia News Network Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
DW
28-05-2025
- Politics
- DW
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
