Thai military reported soldiers from its 13th Infantry Battalion engaged Cambodian forces near Phu Pha Lek - Phlan Hin Paet Kon in Sisaket province around 2:15 PM on 7/12. The confrontation escalated when Cambodian forces used recoilless rifles before the clash concluded at 2:50 PM.

A Thai military spokesman accused Cambodian forces of initiating fire on an engineering unit. This unit was renovating a road connecting the Phu Pha Lek base to Phiang Fa district. Lieutenant General Weerayut Raksil, commander of Thailand's 2nd Army Region, ordered units to maintain high alert and strictly adhere to rules of engagement. Two Thai soldiers injured during the fighting were hospitalized and are now in stable condition.

Thai soldiers move two injured soldiers after the gunfire exchange on 7/12. *Khaosod*

The Thai military anticipates a potential escalation of the conflict. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul instructed officials to take "appropriate action based on the ongoing situation". Concurrently, National Police Chief Kittirat Phanphet directed police stations in four provinces: Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani, to evacuate residents from high-risk border areas.

On the same day, Maly Socheata, spokesperson for Cambodia's Ministry of Defense, presented a differing account. She accused the Thai military of firing first, targeting Choam Ksan district in Preah Vihear province with "hunting rifles, machine guns, and 60 mm mortars". According to Socheata, Cambodian forces did not return fire and immediately contacted the Thai side.

"Throughout the incident, Cambodian forces refrained from retaliation and continued to cautiously monitor the situation," Socheata stated. Cambodia also informed ASEAN observers and requested a "transparent, fair, and accurate" investigation. The Cambodian Ministry of Defense reaffirmed its "firm commitment" to the ceasefire agreement and the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement.

Thailand subsequently rejected Cambodia's claims. Thai Defense Minister Nattaphol Nakpanich stated the accusation was "not based on factual verification". He emphasized that the two injured Thai soldiers served as evidence that Cambodian forces initiated the firing.

This recent exchange of gunfire follows a five-day border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia in July, which resulted in at least 43 deaths and the evacuation of over 300,000 civilians on both sides. The two countries signed a peace agreement in Kuala Lumpur on 26/10. US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim witnessed the signing.

Under the terms of that agreement, both sides committed to withdrawing heavy weapons from the border area and allowing ceasefire observers access to the region. Thailand also pledged to return 18 captured Cambodian soldiers. However, since the agreement, both nations have repeatedly accused each other of non-compliance.

Huyen Le (According to Khaosod, Thai Examiner, Khmer Times)