Cambodian Defense Spokeswoman Details Border Shooting Incident

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov. 13, 2025) — Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, spokeswoman for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, on Wednesday outlined a timeline of what she described as an unprovoked attack by Thai forces on Cambodian civilians near the border in Banteay Meanchey province.

According to Socheata, three Cambodian civilians were walking along a commonly used embankment in Prey Chan village, O’ Bei Chan commune, O’ Chrov district, when gunfire was allegedly heard from the Thai side. Two civilians were reportedly injured.

Unarmed Cambodian personnel stationed about 10 meters away moved to assist but also came under fire. The shooting later expanded to nearby areas with civilian presence, resulting in one additional injury and one fatality, the ministry said.

A second round of gunfire was reported shortly after, with Thai troops allegedly firing five rifle shots toward Cambodian forces. Cambodian troops did not return fire and exercised “maximum restraint” in line with the Ceasefire Agreement and prior bilateral commitments, the ministry said.

The ministry reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution under international law and emphasized the protection of civilians as a top priority. Thai authorities have not yet responded to the allegations.