Ministry of Defence condemns Cambodia's action of opening fire at Phu Pha Lek - Phlan Hin Paet Kon area in Si Sa Ket Province

From the incident in which Cambodian forces opened fire on Thai soldiers in Phu Pha Lek – Phlan Hin Paet Kon area of Si Sa Ket Province, while Thai soldiers were carrying out a mission to improve the route from Phu Pha Lek to Phieng Fa Checkpoint at 1415 hours on December 7, 2025, two Thai soldiers were injured—one shot in the leg and another shot in the chest area of his body armor, causing bruising and chest tightness. Both soldiers have since been transported to Kantharalak Hospital and are now in safe condition. Subsequently, the Cambodian side also fired a recoilless gun into Thai territory, prompting Thai forces to return fire in accordance with the rules of engagement and international principles of proportionality. The clash later ended at 1450 hours.

At 1415 hours, General Tea Seiha, Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, posted on Facebook claiming that the Thai military had fired first and that Cambodian forces did not return fire. This message, disseminated via social media, was false, lacked careful verification, and showed irresponsibility, despite clear evidence that Thai soldiers were injured by Cambodian military weapons.

The Ministry of Defence condemns the actions of the Cambodian side, which appear intended to escalate tensions. Cambodian forces have repeatedly carried out various provocations along the border in recent times. In this latest incident, Cambodia’s actions clearly targeted the lives of Thai personnel. However, the Thai military is fully prepared to respond according to established procedures.

The Minister of Defence has emphasized to units in the area the need to enhance safety measures and has instructed the Chief of Defence Forces as Military Commander by capacity to closely monitor the situation and be ready to respond immediately in accordance with the rules of engagement.

However, due to the sensitive nature of the situation, civilians in four Thai–Cambodian border provinces, namely Buriram, Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani—have been evacuated to designated shelters in each area pending further assessment of safety conditions.

The Ministry of Defence reaffirms the readiness of all border security units to protect the lives and property of the people and to defend national sovereignty to the fullest extent of their capability.