CaliToday (08/12/2025): A fragile peace along the Thai-Cambodian border was shattered yesterday afternoon as a fierce exchange of gunfire erupted between security forces of both nations, leaving two Thai soldiers wounded and forcing the evacuation of thousands of civilians from the "Red Zone" villages.
The clash, which occurred in the disputed Phu Pha Lek – Phlan Hin Paet Kon area of Kantharalak district, Sisaket province, marks the most serious escalation since the brief but intense conflict witnessed earlier in July this year.
The Incident: 35 Minutes of Chaos
According to the Royal Thai Army, the skirmish began at approximately 2:15 PM on Sunday and lasted for nearly 35 minutes. Thai military officials report that a unit of the 23rd Ranger Regiment was conducting routine road improvement operations within Thai territory when they came under sudden fire.
"We were engaged with small arms initially, followed by heavy weaponry including recoilless rifles," stated Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, a spokesperson for the Thai Army, during a press briefing early this morning.
Two Thai personnel sustained injuries during the firefight:
Sgt. Anuchart Rueankham suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.
Pvt. Pornchai Champachum sustained chest trauma after a round struck his ballistic vest. Both are currently in stable condition at a provincial hospital.
Diplomatic Deadlock: The Blame Game Begins
As smoke clears over the Dangrek Mountains, a diplomatic war of words has already begun.
The Thai Position: Bangkok asserts that Cambodian troops crossed the demarcation line and opened fire first on the engineering unit. The Thai Second Army Region has declared that their forces "returned fire proportionally and strictly in accordance with the Rules of Engagement" to protect their personnel.
The Cambodian Position: Conversely, Phnom Penh has vehemently denied instigating the violence. Lt. Gen. Mali Socheata, spokesperson for Cambodia's Ministry of National Defence, issued a statement claiming that Thai soldiers had encroached upon Cambodian territory in Preah Vihear province, forcing Cambodian border patrols to fire warning shots.
Civilian Impact: Mass Evacuations Ordered
Fearing an escalation into artillery duels—a hallmark of the devastating 2011 border war—Thai authorities have moved swiftly. As of this morning, evacuation orders are in effect for border communities across four northeastern provinces: Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buriram, and Ubon Ratchathani.
Local schools and temples have been converted into temporary shelters. "We heard the gunfire clearly, it was like popping corn but much louder," said Somchai, a 54-year-old farmer from Kantharalak district, who fled his home late last night. "We are tired of running, but we are too afraid to stay."
Regional Security on Edge
This latest incident serves as a grim reminder of the volatility of the region. The Preah Vihear temple dispute and the surrounding 4.6 square kilometers of claimed land remain a potent nationalist symbol for both kingdoms.
International observers are watching closely. With the SEA Games 33 currently underway in Thailand, there are concerns that heightened nationalist sentiment could spill over into the sporting arena, complicating what was meant to be a celebration of regional unity.