Cambodia Confirms Civilian Death in Thai Forces’ Shooting, Rebuts Media Reports

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov. 15, 2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior issued a detailed statement Friday confirming the death of a Cambodian civilian in a shooting by Thai forces in Banteay Meanchey province, contradicting Thai media reports that no fatalities occurred.

The ministry said Thai soldiers opened fire with M16 rifles on residents of Prey Chan village, Ou Bei Choan commune, Ou Chrov district, on Nov. 12, killing one man and injuring three others.

The victim was identified as Dy Nai, also known as Sal, 36, of Prey Chan village. An autopsy conducted by Cambodian authorities found an abrasion on his face, a penetrating wound to the upper left chest, and a bullet lodged beneath the skin near the right ribcage. The bullet, removed in the presence of the ASEAN Observer Team, measured 5.7 millimeters in diameter and 23 millimeters in length, with six right-hand twist grooves.

Investigators said three civilians were wounded about 100 meters from the firing site, while Dy Nai’s body was found about 180 meters away. Officials said Thai forces fired from two positions toward a single target in the village.

The ministry concluded that Dy Nai died from gunshot wounds inflicted by Thai soldiers, rejecting Thai media claims as “distortion of the truth” intended to mislead the international community.