Ministry of Interior Confirms Autopsy Results on Cambodian Citizen Shot Dead by Thai Soldiers
In an official statement released on November 14, 2025, Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior confirmed the autopsy results for Dy Nai, a Cambodian citizen who was killed in an incident involving Thai soldiers on November 12, 2025, in Prey Chan village, near the Thai-Cambodian border. The Ministry’s report clarifies the circumstances surrounding the death, dismissing claims made by Thai media as false and distorted.
Details of the Shooting Incident
The shooting occurred when Thai armed forces reportedly opened fire indiscriminately on a group of Cambodian civilians in Prey Chan village. According to the Ministry’s statement, the attack involved multiple M16 rifles and resulted in one fatality and three individuals being seriously wounded. The deceased victim, identified as 36-year-old Dy Nai (also known by his alias Sal), was a resident of the village.
The Ministry revealed that Dy Nai sustained several gunshot wounds, including a puncture wound to his body and a bullet lodged under the skin on his right rib cage. The autopsy results, conducted by Cambodian authorities, confirmed that the fatal shot was a bullet that entered his left chest, passed through his body, and exited through his right side. The bullet severed vital blood vessels and caused severe internal injuries, including damage to the lung.
Autopsy Findings and Forensic Examination
The autopsy team, including members of an expert committee, also reported that the bullet removed from Dy Nai’s body was a 5.7-millimeter caliber projectile, with a length of 23 millimeters. The bullet was surgically extracted in front of the ASEAN Observation Team (AOT), a neutral body that monitored the investigation. The Ministry’s statement emphasized the accuracy of the autopsy and forensic procedures, ensuring transparency in the investigation.
The forensic committee also clarified the nature of the attack. According to their findings, the Thai soldiers fired from two separate positions toward the same target in Prey Chan village, with the first group of casualties occurring approximately 100 meters from the initial target and the fatal shooting occurring at a location about 180 meters away.
Disputing Thai Media Reports
The Cambodian Ministry of Interior was swift to refute Thai media reports that had attempted to distort the facts surrounding the incident. The Ministry highlighted that contrary to some claims, the incident was not the result of a random skirmish or misunderstanding, but rather a deliberate and tragic act of violence carried out by Thai forces.
“It is clear that Dy Nai’s death was caused by a shooting incident involving the Thai armed forces on November 12, 2025,” the Ministry said in its statement. “The bullet wound entered his lung, severed major blood vessels, and led to his death. Any reports suggesting otherwise are simply false and misleading.”
The Broader Impact on Cambodian-Thai Relations
This latest development comes amidst heightened tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, particularly in border areas where incidents involving the armed forces have escalated in recent months. The Prey Chan shooting has sparked outrage within Cambodia, with citizens and government officials alike calling for justice and accountability from the Thai government.
While Cambodia has not officially called for retaliation, the incident raises further questions about the behavior of Thai military forces operating near the border and their treatment of civilians. The Cambodian Ministry of Interior has vowed to continue to press for justice and transparency in the case, and is seeking international support to hold those responsible accountable.
A Call for Peaceful Resolution
Despite the serious nature of the incident, Cambodian authorities have reiterated their commitment to a peaceful resolution of tensions with Thailand. The Ministry of Interior stressed that Cambodia remains committed to diplomatic efforts to resolve border disputes and ensure the safety of its citizens, particularly those living in border villages like Prey Chan.
The Cambodian government is expected to continue working with international bodies, including ASEAN, to ensure that such incidents do not escalate into broader conflicts. However, the Ministry made it clear that Cambodia will not tolerate any further violations of its sovereignty or harm to its citizens.
