BANGKOK, May 29 – Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra confirmed direct discussions with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to de-escalate tensions following a military confrontation along the disputed Chong Bok border area in Ubon Ratchathani province.

Cambodian Soldier Killed in Border Clash with Thai Troops

The clash, involving an exchange of gunfire between troops on Tuesday, prompted high-level military and diplomatic engagement. “Both sides share a commitment to swift resolution and preventing further escalation,” Paetongtarn stated, emphasizing the leaders’ sustained cordial relations.

🚨BREAKING: ⚡Thailand ⚔️ Cambodia 🇹🇭🇰🇭: "Royal Cambodian Army" has deployed troops to the Thai border after a Cambodian soldier killed by Thai Army.

Cambodian Forces apparently deployed several Soviet-made 122mm BM-21-1 "Grad" (9K51) Multiple Rocket Launchers. pic.twitter.com/7NItwOcZv5

— vanhoa (@vanhoa2272) May 29, 2025

On Thursday, Thai Army Chief Gen. Pana Klaewplodtuk met Cambodian counterpart Gen. Mao Sophan to assess the standoff, with troops from both nations remaining deployed near the incident site. Central to discussions were aerial images of a 650-meter Cambodian military trench, which Thailand alleges breaches a 2000 bilateral agreement by encroaching on contested territory. Thai officials claim their diplomatic overture over the trench – the second alleged violation – triggered the armed response.

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Access to Chong Bok remains restricted for villagers, with security forces enforcing a closure that has disrupted local livelihoods dependent on forest resource gathering. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as negotiations proceed.

-Thailand News (TN)