Provincial governors and the Second Army Region have assisted residents in the northeastern provinces of Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani to evacuate to safe locations, following a Thai-Cambodian armed clash in the Phu Pha Lek – Phlan Hin Paet Kon area in Si Sa Ket.

The clash occurred at 14.15 hr on Sunday, 7 December 2025, when Cambodian forces opened fire, prompting the Second Army Region to respond. Government Spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat stated that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul had instructed the Ministry of Defense and the Thai armed forces to fully protect Thailand’s sovereignty and ensure the safety of people living along the border.

The Ministry of Defense, meanwhile, condemns Cambodia's actions of opening fire at the Phu Pha Lek - Phlan Hin Paet Kon area. It explained that the incident took place while Thai soldiers were carrying out a mission to improve the route from Phu Pha Lek to Phieng Fa Checkpoint at 14.15 hr on 7 December 2025. 

Two Thai soldiers were injured – one shot in the leg and another shot in the chest area of his body armor, causing bruising and chest tightness. Both soldiers have since been transported to Kantharalak Hospital and are now in safe condition. Subsequently, the Cambodian side also fired a recoilless gun into Thai territory, prompting Thai forces to return fire in accordance with the rules of engagement and international principles of proportionality. The clash later ended at 14.50 hr.

At 14.15 hr, General Tea Seiha, Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, posted on Facebook claiming that the Thai military had fired first and that Cambodian forces did not return fire. This message, disseminated via social media, was false, lacked careful verification, and showed irresponsibility, despite clear evidence that Thai soldiers were injured by Cambodian military weapons.

The Ministry of Defense condemns the actions of the Cambodian side, which appear intended to escalate tensions. Cambodian forces have repeatedly carried out various provocations along the border in recent times. In this latest incident, Cambodia’s actions clearly targeted the lives of Thai personnel. However, the Thai military is fully prepared to respond according to established procedures.

The Minister of Defense has instructed military units in the area to step up safety measures and has assigned the Chief of Defense Forces and military commanders at all levels to closely monitor the situation and be ready to respond immediately in accordance with the rules of engagement.

However, due to the sensitive nature of the situation, civilians in four Thai-Cambodian border provinces, namely Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani, have been evacuated to designated shelters in each area pending further assessment of safety conditions.

The Ministry of Defense reaffirms the readiness of all border security units to protect the lives and property of the people and to defend national sovereignty to the fullest extent of their capability.