Thailand Considers Closing Border with Cambodia Following Troops Skirmish

Thailand may restrict border movement with Cambodia following a deadly clash between troops in a disputed frontier area, Deputy Defence Minister Nattaphol Nakpanich said on Tuesday.

Gen Nattaphol emphasized that closing permanent checkpoints should be a last resort. “Policy on checkpoint operations should be tailored to the situation, but people living along the border should not be affected,” he told reporters after a cabinet briefing in Bangkok.

The May 27 skirmish took place near Chong Bok in Ubon Ratchathani province, where Thai and Cambodian soldiers exchanged fire in a historically contested zone. According to Thai sources, Cambodian troops had moved into the area in April and began building fortifications, which Thailand claims violates a 2000 memorandum mandating joint use of disputed territory.

Thai military officials released aerial images to support their claims, showing Cambodian troop movements and construction of trenches, concrete roads, and fortified positions in the area. The images are intended to counter Cambodia’s assertion that its troops have maintained a long-term presence there.

The Cambodian Ministry of Defense rejected Thailand’s request to withdraw, stating the area falls under Cambodian sovereignty. “Cambodia cannot withdraw from a position where its troops have been stationed for a long time,” the ministry said.

The skirmish resulted in the death of Cambodian Sergeant Suon Roan, 48. Cambodia said its forces were on routine patrol when Thai soldiers opened fire. Thai officials claim their troops approached for talks when Cambodian forces fired first. Thai forces reported no casualties.

Both sides have since pulled troops back to positions agreed upon under the 2000 memorandum.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been advised to keep permanent border checkpoints open for now, though restrictions on timing and movement may be introduced. “We want to avoid affecting local communities, but we must also ensure national security,” Gen Nattaphol said.

A key meeting of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission is scheduled in Phnom Penh on Saturday. It will address four contested border sites—three in Surin province and one in Ubon Ratchathani. Cambodia has indicated plans to take the issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), but Gen Nattaphol said Thailand does not accept the ICJ’s jurisdiction on the matter.

Government spokesman Jirayu Huangsub confirmed that Prime Minister Paetongtarn had been briefed on troop movements on both sides of the border, and said Thai forces remain on alert.

As tensions simmer, both governments are expected to seek diplomatic solutions while keeping their forces in check.