BANGKOK: The Royal Thai Army has clarified an incident involving five gunshots heard near the Surin border, saying the Cambodian side appeared to have intended to harass Thai troops and that the act violated the joint statement.
The Suranaree Task Force stressed that units in the area were strictly following the rules of engagement and remained prepared to respond to the situation as necessary.
Royal Thai Army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree (pic) said that on Wednesday (May 21, 2026), the Army received a report from Ranger Company 2603 under the Suranaree Task Force while personnel were carrying out a mission to improve defensive positions and strengthen security near Border Marker 18 in Kap Choeng district, Surin province.
At around 2.20pm, personnel heard five rounds of small-arms fire coming from the south, about 600m away, in an area under Cambodian control.
After hearing the shots, Thai personnel stopped to listen and carefully observe the area. No irregularities were found, so they continued their mission.
Winthai said no Thai personnel were injured in the incident, and Thai forces did not return fire in order to avoid revealing their positions and deployment.
The Suranaree Task Force has ordered units to remain on alert and to strictly follow the rules of engagement according to the situation.
Although the Cambodian side’s action appeared to be long-range harassment, the Army said it clearly violated the joint statement.
The Suranaree Task Force will issue a warning and lodge a protest with the Cambodian side over the alleged breach of the agreement through local coordination channels. - The Nation/ANN
