UK voices concern after gunfire incident at Cambodia–Thailand border

By: Son Minea/Hun Sirivadh

PHNOM PENH, May 4, 2026 (KPT) – The British Embassy in Phnom Penh has expressed concern over gunfire by Thai soldiers during a visit by international military attachés to the O’Smach border area last week.

“We are concerned by the incident that occurred earlier this week at the O’Smach International Border Checkpoint during a visit by a group of military attachés and diplomats to the Thai–Cambodian border,” the embassy told Kampuchea Thmey Daily.

The mission said the visit was part of UK efforts to better understand conditions on the ground and encourage both sides to pursue a peaceful resolution to the dispute. “Accredited diplomats must be able to carry out their duties safely,” a spokesperson added.

The comments follow similar concerns raised by other foreign missions. The US and Australian embassies said they were closely monitoring tensions after reports that Thai forces opened fire during the same visit to the O’Smach checkpoint in Oddar Meanchey province.

Both called for restraint and urged continued implementation of ceasefire understandings.
Cambodia’s Defence Ministry said Thai troops opened fire while the delegation was present, describing the incident as undermining the spirit of the ceasefire.

The ministry reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to resolving border issues peacefully through international law, ASEAN frameworks and bilateral agreements, including accords signed in 2025.