Thailand Denies 22 Gunshots at Border, Says Troops Only Shouted Warnings

Thailand Denies 22 Gunshots at Border, Says Troops Only Shouted Warnings

BANGKOK, May 24, 2026 — Thailand has denied Cambodia’s allegation that Thai troops fired 22 rounds near the Chong Chom-O’Smach border area, insisting that soldiers only shouted verbal warnings and did not use firearms during the incident.

According to Thailand’s 2nd Army Region, Cambodian troops were seen moving construction materials closer to a barbed-wire fence near an area controlled by Thailand in Surin province.

Thai military officials said soldiers responded by issuing loud verbal warnings in accordance with border security procedures, stressing that no shots were fired and no weapons were used.

“The troops only shouted warnings after Cambodian soldiers moved closer to the controlled area near the border fence,” Thai military officials said.

The clarification came after Cambodia claimed its forces heard 22 rounds of gunfire between 9:24 a.m. and 10:10 a.m. on May 24 near the Chong Chom crossing opposite O’Smach in Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province.

Cambodian authorities alleged that 12 rounds of small-arms fire were initially heard from Thai-controlled territory, followed by another 10 rounds later in the morning.

Thailand firmly rejected the accusation, describing the situation as a misunderstanding linked to troop movements near the border line.

The Thai military said security agencies from both countries remain in close communication to prevent escalation and avoid clashes along the frontier.

The incident comes amid continuing sensitivities along the Thai-Cambodian border following months of tensions, military monitoring activities and increased scrutiny over movements near disputed areas.