Defence Ministry Rejects Thai Border Gunfire Claims

PHNOM PENH, May 22, 2026 (KPT) — The Ministry of National Defence of Cambodia has rejected Thai military allegations that Cambodian forces fired shots near the two countries’ shared frontier, calling the claims “false and misleading.”

In a statement Friday, ministry spokeswoman Lieutenant General Maly Socheata dismissed reports from the Thai Army that Cambodian troops opened fire in the Phnom Bak area of Samraong City, Oddar Meanchey province.

Thai officials earlier said five gunshots were heard around 10:40 local time on May 22. Cambodia denied responsibility, accusing Thailand of fabricating incidents that risk escalating tensions.

“The Ministry of National Defence of Cambodia cannot accept the repeated dissemination of groundless allegations by the Thai military and Thai media,” the statement said, adding such claims damage the reputation of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and undermine trust.

Cambodia urged Thailand to halt “slanderous reports” and reaffirmed commitment to bilateral agreements, including a joint statement signed in December 2025 to combat misinformation and the peace declaration reached in October 2025.

Officials said both sides should work to restore stability and maintain long‑term peace along the border.