US and Australia Embassies Monitor Cambodia–Thailand Border After Gunfire

By: Minea Son/ Hun Sirivadh

PHNOM PENH, April 30, 2026 (KPT) — The United States and Australian embassies in Cambodia said Thursday they were closely monitoring tensions along the Cambodia–Thailand border after reports that Thai forces opened fire during a visit by foreign military attachés to the O’Smach checkpoint in Oddar Meanchey province.

The US Embassy in Phnom Penh confirmed a military attaché was present during the April 29 inspection tour and said it was assessing the incident.

“We expect the governments of Cambodia and Thailand to fully honour their commitments under the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords,” the embassy told Kampuchea Thmey Daily.

The Australian Embassy likewise told Kampuchea Thmey Daily that its defence attachés took part in the tour, which was arranged by the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.

“Australia continues to urge Cambodia and Thailand to implement the ceasefire agreement in good faith and work towards a durable peaceful resolution,” it said.

Cambodia’s Defence Ministry said Thai troops opened fire while the delegation was visiting the O’Smach International Border Checkpoint, describing the incident as undermining the spirit of the ceasefire.

Spokeswoman Lieutenant General Maly Socheata said five bursts of gunfire were recorded between 10:35 and 11:09 a.m., involving nine rounds fired from M79 and M16 weapons.

The visit formed part of an annual tour for the Military Attachés Corps in Phnom Penh, intended to allow foreign observers to assess conditions along the frontier.

The ministry reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to resolving disputes peacefully under international law, the ASEAN Charter and bilateral agreements, including a Joint Statement from the General Border Committee in December 2025 and a peace agreement signed in October 2025.