Cambodian Ministry affirms resilient protection measures, stating: "Defend at any cost" (regarding the border clash casualty incident)
Headline: Intense Border Clash Leaves Cambodian Soldier Dead Amidst Longstanding Dispute with Thailand
The quiet of Preah Vihear province was shattered earlier today, as a skirmish between Khmer and Thai soldiers at Techo Morakot village in Choam Ksan district's Morakot commune resulted in the unfortunate demise of a Cambodian soldier. According to reports, this tragic event unfolded around 5.45 am this morning.
Among the troops deployed to the turbulent border zone were General Hing Bun Heang, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and Commander of the Angkor Command, accompanied by troops mobilized from Siem Reap province.
The clash has sent ripples of worry among Cambodian citizens, particularly in light of the assertions from Thai officials indicating that Cambodian forces instigated the hostilities. In response, the Ministry of National Defence issued a statement clarifying the initial provocations. "Thai forces opened fire first at a location where Cambodian troops have been stationed for a long time," the statement emphasized.
Cambodia remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding diplomatic methods and peaceful resolutions as it cherishes its border alliance with neighboring countries as stepping stones for stability, development, and mutually beneficial collaboration. However, the Ministry makes it crystal clear that Cambodia is resolute in defending its territorial integrity, regardless of the cost.
Tragically, the Cambodian soldier fatally wounded in the clash was identified as Suon Rorn, 48, hailing from Kampeng village in Yeang commune, Choam Ksan district, Preah Vihear province.
The border dispute, with its roots reaching back decades, has recently escalated with Cambodia planning to bring the conflict over areas contested, including the ancient Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, and Ta Krabei temples, as well as another area near the Laos border, to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for resolution [1][2]. This action aims to settle the long-standing tensions and prevent future hostilities.
On the Horizon:
- As tensions between Cambodia and Thailand remain high, the ICJ becomes a potential avenue for peace [1][2].
- Historical Tensions: Episodes like the May 28 clash are a grim reminder of the persistence of border disputes dating back to the 1950s [2].
Source: Niem Chheng, The Phnom Penh Post, Asia News Network
Related: 1. Border Tussle on the Rise: Army chief calls for troop deployment to protect civilians in the deep South [4] 2. A Flooded Battle: 52 governors maintain flood alert as troops work tirelessly to counter Chiang Rai floods [5] 3. Border Issue Paperwork: Cambodian troops withdraw from the disputed border area in Ubon Ratchathani [6] 4. Relief in Sight: COVID-19 infections appear to be declining, passing the peak number of cases reported in 2025 [7]
Tags: Cambodia, Troops, Thailand, clash, Border, Preah Vihear, Khmer-Thai Conflict
- The escalation of the decades-old border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, highlighted by incidents such as the recent clash, raises concerns about the health of the general-news landscape and the potential impacts on local businesses in the regions affected.
- Amidst ongoing political negotiations and war-and-conflicts, including the Khmer-Thai border dispute, the role of diplomacy in brokering peaceful resolutions and maintaining international relations becomes increasingly important for the overall health of nations and global business on a broader scale.
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