Analysts Warn Thai Border Gunfire Risks Undermining Peaceful Resolution Efforts

PHNOM PENH, May 25, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodian analysts have warned that renewed gunfire by Thai troops along the frontier threatens to derail efforts to resolve disputes peacefully through diplomacy and international law.

The Ministry of National Defence reported that Thai forces fired 22 rounds near the O’Smach International Border Checkpoint in Oddar Meanchey province on Sunday morning.

The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces described the incident as “unprovoked,” saying the shooting occurred between 09:24 and 10:10 local time in an area Cambodia claims as its sovereign territory but which remains occupied by Thai troops.

Political analyst Kin Phea said the gunfire contradicted efforts by both sides and the international community to maintain calm.

“Thailand has not shown good faith in resolving border disputes through peaceful means, particularly through diplomacy and international law,” he told KPT, warning that repeated shootings risked provoking confrontation.

Yang Poeu, another analyst, said the firing undermined fragile ceasefire efforts and confidence‑building measures.

“They want Cambodia to lose restraint and respond with force,” he said, noting the incidents came despite mediation by regional and international leaders, including Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and US President Donald Trump.

Border tensions have flared periodically in disputed areas, with both countries accusing each other of violations while calling for negotiations.

The Interior Ministry said more than 95 percent of civilians displaced by clashes have returned home, though 30,934 remain uprooted, including nearly 16,000 women and over 10,000 children.

At the UN Security Council last week, Cambodian envoy Keo Chhea urged stronger protection of civilians, recalling that attacks in 2025 displaced more than 649,000 people and caused extensive damage to homes and heritage sites.

Analysts warned that without restraint, renewed clashes could jeopardize fragile diplomatic progress.