Breaking News: Thai Soldiers Open Fire on Cambodian Civilians, Five Injured in Banteay Meanchey

Banteay Meanchey, Cambodia — Tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border have escalated dramatically following an incident on Tuesday, when Thai soldiers opened fire on Cambodian civilians in the village of Prey Chan, located in O’Beichoan commune, O’Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province. Five individuals were injured in the shooting, according to preliminary reports from local authorities.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:00 PM local time, along the contentious border area which has been a flashpoint for escalating tensions in recent months. The shooting comes just one day after Thailand unilaterally suspended the peace agreement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, following a landmine explosion along the shared frontier that injured several Thai soldiers.

Initial Details of the Shooting

Local authorities have confirmed that the shooting took place near the border, but further details on the circumstances leading up to the incident are still under investigation. The five injured civilians, all residents of the village of Prey Chan, were reportedly caught in the crossfire during a confrontation between Thai troops and local villagers. While their exact condition remains unclear, authorities have confirmed that they were taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

The shooting has prompted an outcry from local leaders and human rights organizations, who are calling for an immediate investigation into the actions of the Thai soldiers. Witnesses from the area have expressed concerns over the increasing militarization of the border region, which has been a source of contention between Cambodia and Thailand for years.

Rising Tensions Along the Border

The incident follows a period of heightened tension between the two nations. Last week, Thailand suspended its participation in the peace agreement signed in October 2025, which had been brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. The peace declaration, which aimed to address border disputes and facilitate cooperation on demining efforts, had already come under strain following a series of landmine explosions.

On November 9, a landmine blast injured several Thai soldiers in the northeastern Sisaket province along the Cambodia-Thailand border. Thailand accused Cambodia of laying new mines, a claim that the Cambodian government vehemently denied. Cambodia, in turn, has emphasized its commitment to demining and adherence to international peace agreements, while accusing Thailand of misinterpreting the situation.

The suspension of the peace agreement has raised concerns about the potential for further military escalation between the two countries, and the recent shooting incident will likely exacerbate these fears.

Calls for Immediate Investigation

In the wake of the shooting, Cambodian officials have called for an immediate investigation into the actions of the Thai soldiers involved in the incident. “This violence is unacceptable, and we demand that the perpetrators be held accountable,” said a local government spokesperson. “We cannot allow these tensions to escalate further.”

The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also issued a statement condemning the incident, calling for calm and urging both sides to return to the negotiating table to resolve their differences peacefully. “We are committed to peace and stability along the border, and we urge Thailand to do the same,” the statement read.

A Fragile Peace in Jeopardy

The shooting underscores the fragile nature of the peace process between Cambodia and Thailand, with both nations having a long history of territorial disputes along their shared border. The most recent flare-ups, including deadly clashes in July 2025, have resulted in casualties on both sides and heightened fears of further conflict.

Thailand and Cambodia share a 500-mile border, much of which remains poorly demarcated, and this lack of clear boundaries has led to repeated military confrontations over disputed areas, particularly around the UNESCO World Heritage site of Preah Vihear Temple. Despite international mediation efforts, tensions over sovereignty and border control continue to simmer.

The United Nations and ASEAN have both expressed concern over the violence, and calls for renewed dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand have increased in recent days.

What’s Next?

As authorities investigate the latest border incident, the situation remains tense. Local residents and human rights organizations are calling for transparency in the investigation and for immediate measures to prevent further violence. Meanwhile, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, with hopes that both nations can return to peaceful negotiations before the conflict escalates further.

With the peace agreement now suspended, it remains uncertain whether Cambodia and Thailand will be able to find a diplomatic resolution to their longstanding disputes. The eyes of the world are on both nations as they navigate this delicate and volatile situation.