The Cambodian Ministry of National Defense announced on Wednesday, May 29, that Sergeant Major Suwan Rao, aged 48, died following a brief gunfight with Thai soldiers near the disputed Chong Bok border crossing, which separates Thailand’s northeastern Ubon Ratchathani province and Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province. The incident occurred during the early morning hours, in an area frequently patrolled by both nations and historically marked by overlapping territorial claims.
According to the Cambodian statement, the firefight broke out after Thai forces allegedly initiated the engagement by opening fire on Cambodian troops positioned in a trench long utilized as a Cambodian military outpost. The ministry asserted that the clash was not provoked by Cambodian forces and emphasized their commitment to de-escalation through diplomatic dialogue with Thai counterparts. It reaffirmed Cambodia’s aim for the shared border to become a zone of peace, cooperation, and mutual development.
However, the Cambodian ministry also declared that while diplomacy remains a priority, it remains resolute in protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity through all necessary means. It advised the public to disregard unverified claims circulating on social media, urging reliance on official channels for accurate updates.
In contrast, a statement issued by the Royal Thai Army presented a differing sequence of events. The Suranaree Task Force, operating in the region, claimed that Cambodian troops had entered an area of disputed jurisdiction around 5:30 a.m., allegedly breaching prior bilateral agreements. Thai forces were dispatched to intercept the incursion, during which Cambodian soldiers reportedly opened fire. The Thai army said its troops retaliated, and the skirmish lasted approximately ten minutes. Thailand maintains that no casualties were sustained by its forces.
The clash concluded after senior officers from both sides, including a deputy commander from Cambodia and Colonel Boonserm Boonbamrung of the Thai task force, coordinated a ceasefire on the ground. Troops from both countries reportedly remain in the area as talks continue.
Thailand’s Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed later that the situation had stabilized and noted that neither side had intended to escalate the conflict. He added that misunderstandings were likely a contributing factor.
Tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border are not new. The two nations have a long history of disputes over land demarcation, most notably around the Preah Vihear temple site. While the International Court of Justice ruled in 2013 that the promontory belonged to Cambodia, occasional border incidents have continued. In February 2025, Cambodian troops and civilians were recorded singing the Cambodian national anthem near another ancient temple on the border, triggering a brief verbal confrontation with Thai soldiers. The incident, captured on video, went viral on social media, reflecting the ongoing sensitivity of the area.
High-ranking officials from both Cambodia and Thailand, including military commanders, local administrators, and defense ministry representatives, are reportedly involved in managing the fallout and preventing future escalations.
