Thailand, Cambodia trade fire at border, exchange accusations

Cambodia and Thailand have exchanged fire along their shared border, with each side accusing the other of initiating the clash.

Cambodia's defence ministry said Thai troops opened fire on Cambodian soldiers in Preah Vihear province at 2:15pm Sunday, with Cambodian forces not returning fire and immediately contacting Thai authorities to demand a ceasefire. The ministry stated firing stopped at 2:32pm.

Thailand's Second Army Region countered that Cambodian forces began firing first in Si Sa Ket province at 2:16pm, forcing Thai troops to return fire in an intermittent exchange that ended at 2:50pm. Thai media reported two soldiers wounded by gunfire.

This marks renewed tensions after both countries agreed to an "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire following July clashes, later signing a peace declaration in October. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnviraul had ordered suspension of the joint peace statement last month after a Thai soldier was injured by a landmine.