Border Tensions Escalate for Fifth Day: Cambodian Forces Reportedly Fire on Own Troops

Brickinfo News Agency – Tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border persist, with significant clashes reported across several key areas. The Second Army Area Command provided an update on the situation as of July 28, 2025, at 12:00 PM, detailing intense artillery fire, missile exchanges, and ground engagements between the two sides. These ongoing conflicts have resulted in casualties and injuries, significantly impacting border communities. The 26th Military Circle and the Suranaree Task Force are responsible for the Thai-Cambodian border region.

The Second Army Area Command reported that Cambodian forces have launched BM-21 rockets at multiple frontlines, specifically targeting Hill 677, Phu Phi, Pha Mor E Daeng – Preah Vihear, and Phu Makheua. Furthermore, movements of the PHL-03 missile system were detected at Samrong Airfield in Udom Meanchey Province. In response, Thai forces have retaliated proportionally to the threat level, engaging strategic targets at Chong Bok, Chong An Ma, Prasat Ta Khwai, and Prasat Ta Muen Thom.

Heavy fighting has been concentrated in the Chong An Ma, Phu Phi, and Phu Makheua areas, with continuous artillery and mortar exchanges reported throughout the night, leading to multiple injuries. At Prasat Ta Muen Thom and Prasat Ta Khwai, Cambodian forces are reportedly attempting to maintain control of the areas, continually reinforcing their positions with troops from deeper within Cambodia.

Cambodian forces firing on their own troops

Reports also indicate instances of Cambodian forces firing on their own troops in the Chong An Ma and Pha Mor E Daeng areas. This could be attributed to communication errors, possibly due to the deployment of multiple reinforcement units.

Beyond the ground conflict, a cyber threat has emerged. Cambodian hacker groups are reported to have breached various government systems via CORS/NCDC. Additionally, Cambodian soldiers have allegedly laid landmines in frontline areas that Thai forces are currently inspecting for deployment, posing a significant danger.

On July 27, 2025, at 4:30 PM, Thai authorities repatriated the bodies of 12 Cambodian soldiers killed in the fighting at Phu Makheua, in adherence to humanitarian principles. The situation is expected to continue with Cambodian forces utilizing long-range weaponry in deep areas, and intense clashes are anticipated, particularly in Chong An Ma, Phu Phi, Phu Makheua, Prasat Ta Muen Thom, and Prasat Ta Khwai. Vigilance against cyber threats and potential infiltration by Cambodian intelligence operatives also remains a concern.

In efforts to assist civilians, the Second Army Area Command has supported provincial authorities in evacuating residents from high-risk zones to civilian assembly points in the inner regions of four provinces: Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani. A total of 119,072 people have been evacuated from high-risk areas, an increase of 12,625 individuals. The conflict has impacted civilians, with residential areas in Buriram Province damaged by artillery and BM-21 rounds. In Sisaket Province, two people were injured and one person died.

His Majesty the King has graciously taken the deceased and injured from the Thai-Cambodian border clashes under royal patronage. Additionally, Royal Volunteer and Royal Mobile Kitchen units are providing aid and assistance at temporary shelters, including food and other necessities, in the four provinces, distributing over 153,100 meal boxes between July 24 and 28, 2025.

The Second Army Area Command has urged the public to remain calm and follow official guidance from local authorities. They advise monitoring news and alerts from official public relations channels and refraining from sharing unverified information. The public is also advised to avoid areas with unexploded ordnance or shrapnel, as these are dangerous and constitute crucial evidence for international justice proceedings.