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Hun Sen Urges Public to Remember 2025 Border Incident Ahead of One-Year Anniversary

Terry Felix​​​​   On May 20, 2026 - 3:20 pm​   In Asia Pacific   2mn Read
Hun Sen Urges Public to Remember 2025 Border Incident Ahead of One-Year Anniversary Hun Sen Urges Public to Remember 2025 Border Incident Ahead of One-Year Anniversary

PHNOM PENH, May 20, 2026 — Cambodia’s Senate President and acting head of state Hun Sen has reminded the public that only eight days remain before the first anniversary of the killing of a Cambodian soldier in a border clash with Thailand, an incident that later triggered a series of armed confrontations between the two sides.

The message was delivered publicly on Wednesday by Hun Sen’s spokesperson, Chea Thyrith, during a press conference on the outcomes of a meeting between leaders of political parties within an alliance framework.

Hun Sen’s spokesperson, Chea Thyrith

Chea Thyrith said Hun Sen described May 28 as “a day of remembrance” for Cambodians after a Cambodian serviceman was shot dead by Thai troops in the Mum Bei border area in Preah Vihear province in 2025.

“Only eight days remain until the day of remembrance when our heroic soldier was shot and killed by Thai soldiers on May 28,” Chea Thyrith quoted Hun Sen as saying. “The shooting at the Mum Bei area led to the subsequent armed clashes. That day is a reminder of aggression and violations against Cambodia’s sovereignty that Cambodian people must remember.”

The brief clash occurred on May 28, 2025, in Techo Morakot village, Morakot commune, Choam Ksan district, Preah Vihear province, along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

According to Cambodian authorities, Thai troops opened fire first on a trench position long occupied by Cambodian forces, killing one Cambodian soldier identified as Suon Rorn, a 48-year-old sergeant major from Choam Ksan district.

The incident marked a major escalation in border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand and was followed by a series of military confrontations and diplomatic disputes over contested border areas.

Cambodian officials have repeatedly stated in recent months that Phnom Penh remains committed to resolving border disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law and existing bilateral agreements.

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