Cambodia’s MOI Refutes Thai Media Reports, Confirms Cambodian Civilian Killed in Thai Military Shooting

Cambodia’s MOI Refutes Thai Media Reports, Confirms Cambodian Civilian Killed in Thai Military Shooting

Phnom Penh, 14 November 2025 — The Ministry of Interior (MOI) today issued a formal clarification in response to reports by Thai media claiming that no Cambodian citizens were killed in the Thai military’s shooting incident in Prey Chan village, Ou Bei Choan commune, Ou Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey, on 12 November 2025. Thai reports stated that only the three injured victims currently receiving treatment were affected.

The Ministry affirmed that the Thai armed forces opened fire with multiple rounds from long-barreled M16 rifles, causing one fatality and three serious injuries among Cambodian civilians. The deceased has been identified as Mr. Dy Nai (known as Sal), 36, a resident of Prey Chan village.

A forensic examination conducted by Cambodian specialized authorities found:

• A 5 mm abrasion on the victim’s facial area;
• A penetrating gunshot wound on the upper left chest measuring 2 x 3 cm, with an entry path angling from left to right through the torso;
• A bullet lodged beneath the skin on the right posterior ribcage.

The embedded bullet was surgically removed by the medical committee in the presence of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT). The bullet was identified as having a 5.7 mm diameter, 23 mm length, and six helical rifling grooves with a right-hand twist—consistent with ammunition fired from a military-grade M16-type rifle.

Investigative teams also confirmed the following:

• At the first incident site, three Cambodian civilians were found critically injured approximately 100 meters from the position where the Thai military discharged their weapons.
• At the second incident site, the deceased victim was discovered roughly 180 meters from the Thai firing position.
• The Thai armed forces fired from two separate locations toward a single target area inside Prey Chan village.

The Ministry concluded that Mr. Dy Nai’s death was unquestionably caused by Thai military gunfire on 12 November 2025. Claims made in Thai media denying the fatality are characterized by the Ministry as distortions of fact intended to mislead the international community.

The Ministry emphasized that forensic evidence clearly shows the bullet penetrated the victim’s lungs, severed major blood vessels, and remained lodged in the right posterior side of the body—confirming a direct and fatal gunshot.