Despite a peace deal in late October, tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have once again flared up after the two sides reportedly exchanged fire at the border leading to at least one Cambodian dead.
Both sides offer conflicting accounts of who opened fire first.
According to ThaiPBS, the two countries exchanged fire at around 4pm on 12 Nov.
While the Thai army says that it only returned fire after the Cambodians shot first, their counterparts offered a different story.
According to Kiripost, Cambodia’s Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said the Thai soldiers opened fire on villagers.
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“Thai soldiers opened fire on civilians in Prey Chan village, Ou Beychoan commune, Ou Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province, injuring five civilians, according to preliminary information from local authorities,” he said.
One person has been confirmed dead, according to Cambodian authorities.
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According to Khaosod English, the Thai Army denied firing on civilians. While a spokesperson initially said the Thai soldiers did not retaliate in anyway, they later amended that to say that they only retaliated in response to Cambodia fire.
“The Thai side acted in self-defence and to protect its sovereignty,” said the Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
He also condemned the Cambodian military for using civilians as human shields.
Prior to gunfire being exchanged, border tensions were already flaring up earlier this week.
On 10 Nov, Thai PM Anutin Charnvirakul suspended the peace deal when four Thai soldiers were injured by a landmine at the border. The planned release of 18 Cambodian prisoners was also halted.
He also planned to visit the injured soldiers in Si Sa Ket, saying: “Our soldier lost his leg.”
“This is an act by a Cambodia that does not observe the declaration signed on October 26, 2025,” said the Thai Defence Minister, referencing the peace deal signed at the ASEAN Summit overseen by US President Trump.
In July, the two countries had exchanged fire that led to at least 15 dead in Thailand after a similar incident with a landmine.
Also read: Thailand & Cambodia exchange fire at border after landmine incident stokes tension
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