NAKHON RATCHASIMA, THAILAND – Thai forces and Cambodian units exchanged fire along the border near Phu Pha Lek and Phlan Hin Paet Kon, prompting evacuations in four provinces.
Exchange of fire along disputed frontier
The Region 2 Army reported acute clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border in the areas of Phu Pha Lek and Phlan Hin Paet Kon. According to its statement, Cambodian units opened fire on Thai positions at about 14:16 local time.
Thai posts respond with defensive fire
Border posts on the Thai side were, according to the operations centre, forced to return immediate defensive fire. The situation developed into a sustained exchange of shots that lasted several minutes.
Use of heavier weapons raises risk
Cambodian forces were reported to have deployed recoilless guns directly in the frontier zone. The use of these heavier weapons significantly increased the level of danger for both military personnel and nearby civilians.
Temporary lull but troops stay on alert
Gunfire reportedly fell silent around 14:50, bringing a short-lived calm to the area. Army leadership stressed that the pause was deceptive and that renewed attacks remained possible at any time, with units on the ground staying in readiness mode.
Army warns of unstable and dynamic situation
The Region 2 Army continued to assess the situation as highly unstable. Commanders warned that there was a risk the clashes could spread geographically or increase in intensity and described conditions as dynamic and unpredictable.
Evacuations ordered in four border provinces
Border districts in the provinces of Buriram, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani were placed under evacuation orders. Residents were instructed to move without delay to designated evacuation centres until further notice.
Protecting civilians as primary goal
The army underlined that the evacuation was a purely preventive step.
“The aim is to minimise risks for civilians as long as there are no signs of a relaxation of the situation.”
said army officials, adding that the measure would remain in force until further notice.