Tensions escalated Thursday morning near Ta Muen Temple on the Thai-Cambodian border following reports of unusual drone activity and a subsequent armed confrontation.
At 7:35 AM local time, a Thai special task force responsible for security at the site reported hearing the distinct sound of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operated by Cambodian forces circling the area. Despite failing to visually confirm the drone, forces stationed at the site said its presence was unmistakable.
Shortly afterward, Cambodian troops were seen bringing weapons to the perimeter, positioning themselves beyond a barbed wire fence near the front of the site. Six Cambodian soldiers, equipped with firearms and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, approached the line, halting close to the Thai forward operating base. In an effort to de-escalate, Thai soldiers attempted to communicate with the Cambodian side by shouting across the border and maintained vigilance throughout the encounter.
The standoff took a turn around 8:20 AM, when Cambodian forces opened fire toward the eastern perimeter of the Thai position, from an estimated distance of 200 meters. No casualties have been reported at this time.
The Royal Thai Army stated that they are monitoring the situation closely and are prepared to respond to developments as needed. Authorities are expected to provide updates as further information becomes available.
Prior to this, Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior and Acting Prime Minister, has announced decisive retaliatory measures after another Thai soldier struck a landmine and lost his leg on Wednesday along the Thai-Cambodian border.
According to Phumtham, the incident occurred when a Thai patrol unit was hit by a landmine in the Huai Bon area near Chong An Ma, Nam Yuen District. The explosion resulted in severe injury to one soldier, who lost his right leg.
The Royal Thai Army submitted a request to close all border crossings managed by the Second Army Area, including a full ban on tourist entry. Phumtham confirmed the government’s order to close these crossings by the military’s proposal.
As a further diplomatic measure, Thailand will reduce its diplomatic relations with Cambodia by recalling the Thai Ambassador in Phnom Penh and requesting the Cambodian Ambassador in Thailand to return to Cambodia as well. Additional reviews on the status of diplomatic relations are being considered.
Phumtham also stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already lodged a formal letter of protest, emphasizing that the landmines involved are newly planted devices.
Evidence shows that, previously, Thai patrols never encountered such incidents in these areas. This recent cluster of explosions indicates the use of new landmines. Therefore, Thailand is enacting the most appropriate and robust response possible, he said.
In response, the Cambodian government announced a reduction in its diplomatic relationship with Thailand to the lowest level of “Second Charge d’Affaires.”
All Cambodian diplomatic staff stationed in Bangkok have now been recalled, while the Thai diplomatic staff in Phnom Penh has also been instructed to arrange the departure.
