SA KAEO, THAILAND – Thai military officers confirmed an armed incident on 12 November 2025 along the Cambodia border in Sa Kaeo Province after bursts of gunfire were reported near frontier checkpoints.
Incident confirmed by First Army Region
Major General Thanawat Leelaphan, First Army Region Commander, released details following the event at 16:10 local time near checkpoints S.34–35 by the village Ban Nong Ya Kaew in Khok Sung District. The military identified the incident as a brief but direct clash initiated from the Cambodian side according to an internal field report.
“The First Army Region confirms that the gunfire originated from the Cambodian side, prompting Thai forces to respond defensively,”
said Major General Thanawat Leelaphan, First Army Region Commander.
Initial volley of thirty rounds reported
The Burapha Task Force (BTF) reported approximately 30 rounds fired from across the Cambodian sector, suspected to be AK‑47 rifle shots. Thai troops responded with warning shots before engaging in controlled return fire lasting about ten minutes until silence resumed along the frontier.
“Burapha Task Force personnel first issued warning shots, then returned fire in line with orders when the attack persisted,”
said Colonel Prasert Chaiyakul, Burapha Task Force Spokesperson.
No casualties or property damage
The First Army Region confirmed that an inspection carried out the same day found no injuries or fatalities among Thai forces and no reported property damage within Thai territory. Commanders said all soldiers returned safely to base at Khok Sung Camp after the engagement had ceased.
Compliance with Rules of Engagement
“All measures followed established Rules of Engagement; weapons were used only to defend lives and sovereignty,”
said Major General Thanawat Leelaphan, First Army Region Commander.
The army emphasized that the Burapha Task Force limited its firing arcs to hostile directions and avoided civilian zones near Ban Nong Ya Kaew, consistent with international humanitarian law.
Rapid de-escalation and call for dialogue
Officials stated that Thai forces ceased all firing immediately once no further shots were heard from the Cambodian side. Commanders instructed troops to maintain maximum vigilance and reinforce coordination lines along the Sa Kaeo border strip.
“Thailand seeks no escalation and will rely on dialogue and cooperation with neighboring states to prevent any recurrence,”
said Major General Thanawat Leelaphan, First Army Region Commander.
Army headquarters in Bangkok has launched internal assessments and scheduled diplomatic communication channels with Phnom Penh to clarify the series of actions and maintain cross-border stability.
Current measures announced
– Increased patrol frequency: Twice-daily sweeps at checkpoints S.34–35
– Engagement review: Joint verification within 48 hours by Thai command
– Civilian safety assurance: Restricted access near Ban Nong Ya Kaew for 72 hours pending clearance
Military observers at Sa Kaeo Province said the investigation results would inform decisions by the Ministry of Defence on potential additional coordination procedures with Cambodia later in November 2025.