SA KAEO — Thai anti-riot troops employed rubber bullets and tear gas on Wednesday to repel a violent crowd of Cambodian protesters attempting to disrupt the installation of border fencing in Khok Sung District. The clash, which injured at least five Thai soldiers and nearly 10 Cambodians, marks a severe escalation in tensions along the contentious Thailand-Cambodia border.

Cambodian Forces Withdraw from Encroached Areas in Trat Province

The confrontation began around 3:40 p.m. when approximately 200 Cambodians gathered to protest Thailand’s placement of barbed wire near Ban Nong Ya Kaeo. Despite attempts by Thai officials to negotiate, the crowd advanced, attacking soldiers with long sticks, stones, and slingshots. By 4:20 p.m., Thai forces deployed crowd control measures to push back the assailants, who violated the bilateral ceasefire agreement.

Cambodian protesters injured by tear gas were carried away and treated with water by companions. Thai troops continued reinforcing the border with additional barbed wire and tires amid ongoing projectile attacks. The Cambodian side gradually retreated but continued hurling objects, causing further injuries.

The point where tear gas was used against the Cambodian protesters at #BanNongYaKaew was observed to have encroached significantly into Thai territory. This is true regardless of whether the map is Thai or Cambodian. Therefore, Cambodia has no reason to claim this. https://t.co/D9JC5f69wy

— pair metro (@MetroPair) September 17, 2025

Sa Kaeo Governor Prinya Phothisat had earlier submitted a formal protest to Banteay Meanchey Province in Cambodia regarding the removal of border wire on September 16. Cambodian Governor Oum Reatrey confirmed that nearly 10 Cambodians—including villagers, monks, and security personnel—were injured, some seriously, during the September 17 clash.

Thailand-Cambodia Border to Remain Closed Amid Sovereignty Concerns

The incident underscores deepening territorial disputes and fragile diplomatic relations between the neighboring nations. Both sides accuse each other of provocation and unlawful encroachment, with no immediate resolution in sight. Authorities on both sides are providing medical treatment to the injured while reinforcing border security measures.

-Thailand News (TN)