On May 28th, a clash was reported from Chong Bok’s border security at 5:45 am. They witnessed Cambodian and Thai troops shooting at one another, leading to the death of one soldier. Further investigations show both sides believed their neighboring country opened fire first. As tensions rose, Cambodia has decided to take the dispute to ICJ (International Court of Justice).

What Led to Chong Bok Clash

For years, Cambodia and Thailand have seen tension build over territorial rights on their shared border. Both had sworn to create peace and prosperity since the ICJ ruled the Preah Vihear temple is under Khmer protection in 1962. Thailand later disputed claims again after UNESCO listed it as “an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture” in 2008.

The conflict grew with Thai soldiers clashing with the Cambodian people, with 20 lives lost, and displacing thousands of people from the province. The ICJ reaffirmed the 1962 ruling and made Preah Vihear a no-military zone in 2013.

The Chong Bok flashpoint is facing a similar situation within the Nam Yuen District. It’s located between Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) and Dom Pradit (Cambodia). This leaves the area undemarcated, meaning neither country can claim it. Sources have gathered the following events from May 28th:

At 5:30 am, Task Force 1 of the Suranaree Command received intel that Cambodian troops were deployed in Chong Bok. Thai border security believed they were violating existing agreements to acquire the flashpoint as their own. Upon their arrival, they discovered the troops in a 650-meter trench.

Task Force 1 explained to the neighboring soldiers that it violated the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to dig a trench on undemarcated ground. The Cambodian troops responded that the trench was always at the flashpoint. During negotiations, a misunderstanding occurred and caused the firefight.

Thai border security reported the clash to the Suranaree Command at 5:45 am. The details are currently under debate as both Cambodia and Thailand believe their neighbor fired the first shot. The fight lasted until 5:55 am.

Suranaree Command’s Deputy Commander, Col. Boonserm Boonbumrung, received a call from the Deputy Commander of Cambodia’s 3rd Support Brigade, Maj. General Thol Sovann. They coordinated a ceasefire and demanded that the involved personnel stay at the flashpoint. While Thailand reported no one was harmed on their front, Khmer soldier Soun Ron was found dead.

Government Stances on the Matter

The days after the incident have stirred both the Thai and Cambodian press. In an evening press conference on May 28th, Thai Deputy Prime Minister of Defense, Phumtum Wechayachai, addressed the following statement. “I have been informed that the return fire was necessary to defend ourselves and Thailand’s sovereignty in the disputed area. […] Although the ceasefire holds, both forces continue to face each other.”

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet was notified about the incident during a business trip in Japan. He recognized that the villagers within the Preah Vihear province had grown anxious and concerned since the dispute. Manet reassures citizens that he remains in full command of Cambodia’s forces on May 29th. “Any major decisions, including troop deployment and weaponry at the Thai-Cambodian border, require my approval.”

His counterpart, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra immediately responded and communicated with Manet to de-escalate the situation on the same day. She last visited his country to attend the 75th Thailand-Cambodian Diplomatic Relations ceremony in Phnom Penh back in April. Together, they pledged to lower crime operations and improve military cooperation. “We have an understanding to quickly resolve the situation as possible and prevent further incidents,” she told the press.

Military officials assembled and discussed the pressing matters surrounding Chong Bok. Cambodian Minister of National Defense, Gen. Tea Seiha, agreed with Thailand’s Deputy Minister of Defense, Natthapon Nakpanich, to have five guards on each side of the border. During the week, Cambodia’s National Assembly made a majority vote to refer the matter to the United Nations.

Thai Foreign Prime Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa addressed his country’s response during the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) conference in Paris on June 2nd. He explained that Thailand has written a protest letter to Cambodia’s government. His officials are ordered to gather photographs of the 650-meter trench for negotiations with the Joint Boundary Committee (JBC).

Work Towards a Resolution

Sangiampongsa plans to reaffirm Thailand’s sovereignty and de-escalate tension in Chong Bok. “Thailand and Cambodia are long-time neighbors,” he told the media. “What we must do is find a peaceful solution, not through force.” The Foreign Prime Minister is currently abroad for the OECD conference and will return home on June 5th.