Cambodian and Thai troops reportedly exchanged gunfire for approximately 10 minutes at 5.45am this morning, May 28, in Preah Vihear province’s Choam Ksan district, which borders the Chon Bak area of Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province, according to Thai media.

Major General Mao Phalla, spokesperson for the Royal Cambodian Army, confirmed the skirmish with Trayorng News, a media outlet close to the Ministry of Interior.

“A brief clash did occur. The Thai side initiated the gunfire,” he said. A Thai official claimed that their troops were fired upon while conducting a routine patrol.

Phalla added that he was still gathering information and consulting with his superiors before providing further details on the incident.

The Post reached out to Chhum Socheat, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence, for clarification, but he was too busy to comment as he was attending the closing of the “Golden Dragon” joint Chinese-Cambodian military exercises.

According to The Nation Thailand, the clash, which resulted in no reported casualties, occurred in a disputed border area which is claimed by both sides.

“Both Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to maintain the status quo in this area to avoid destabilising the border, prohibiting activities such as construction, troop movements or excavations without prior notification,” it said.