One Thai Soldier Killed, Four Injured in Fresh Border Clash with Cambodia

Bangkok: A Thai soldier was killed and four others wounded in renewed armed clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border on Monday morning, the Thai military confirmed, as both countries accused each other of starting the latest violence.

According to Thai army spokesman Col Winthai Suvaree, Cambodian troops opened fire on a Thai patrol in Ubon Ratchathani province at dawn, using heavy weapons. “One soldier was killed on the spot, and four others sustained injuries,” the spokesman said in an official statement.

Cambodia strongly rejected the claim, insisting that Thai forces initiated the attack in the disputed border areas of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces. Defence ministry spokeswoman Maj Maly Socheata stated that Cambodian troops did not return fire and were acting only in self-defence.

The brief but intense exchange of gunfire marks the most serious flare-up along the long-disputed frontier in recent months, raising fresh fears of escalation between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.

The Thai-Cambodian border dispute is a long-standing territorial conflict rooted in colonial-era mappings and historical rivalries between the two Southeast Asian nations. Stretching over 800 kilometres, the border remains undemarcated in several areas, particularly around ancient Khmer temples and strategic regions.

While the two countries share cultural ties—such as influences from the Khmer Empire on Thai art, architecture, and martial arts—these have often fueled nationalist tensions rather than resolving them. Below is a concise overview of the key historical phases leading up to the recent clashes.

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