Thai - Cambodia Conflict Cambodian Troops Open Fire on Thai Forces Along Trat Border

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Hostilities erupted on the morning of 26 July, along the Thai-Cambodian border in Trat province, as Cambodian troops opened fire on Thai military positions, prompting an immediate counterattack. The exchange of gunfire occurred in the early morning hours of July, shaking nearby communities and triggering the earlier evacuation of thousands of residents.

 

At approximately 05:30 local residents in Chamrak subdistrict, Mueang District, reported hearing repeated artillery blasts and seeing bright flashes lighting up the mountainous border region. Eyewitnesses described the ground shaking with each explosion, with some stating that the force of the shelling was strong enough to rattle buildings and windows.

 

Prominent monk Phra Sakda Suntharo, based at Wat Rai Pa in Noen Sai subdistrict, took to social media just after dawn, writing: “It’s begun, heavy artillery fire, flashes in the mountains. We are running, while our soldiers head in the opposite direction. They are truly protecting the Thai people. Respect to our troops.” His post quickly attracted supportive comments.

 

The Royal Thai Armed Forces had previously anticipated the escalation. On the evening of July 25, security and administrative officials in Trat held an emergency meeting after intelligence indicated a planned expansion of hostilities by the Cambodian side against Thai territory at two strategic points, Chamrak subdistrict and Khlong Yai District.

 

In Chamrak, Cambodian forces had positioned heavy artillery aimed towards central Trat, a mere 34 kilometres away from the city. Intelligence also revealed a second artillery base in Koh Kong city, just 11 kilometres from the border.

 

Military intelligence had assessed that an attack would likely begin at about 05:00, on July 26, a prediction that proved accurate. In preparation, authorities had already ordered the evacuation of residents from three districts into temporary shelters in central Trat for their safety.

 

There has been no official report yet on casualties or damage, but authorities are monitoring the situation closely as tensions continue to rise along the volatile border.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-07-26

 

 

 

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Marines Launch “Trat Phikat Phairee 1” Operation to Repel Cambodian Troop Incursion

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

The Royal Thai Navy has launched a military operation codenamed “Trat Phikat Phairee 1” after Cambodian troops allegedly crossed into Thai territory at three locations near the border village of Chamrak in Trat province.

 

The incursion reportedly began around 05:10 on 26 July and marked the third consecutive day of rising border tensions. Cambodian forces are said to have initiated hostilities by opening fire on Thai positions. Thai troops, stationed along the Chanthaburi-Trat defence line, responded with immediate countermeasures.

 

By 05:40, the Royal Thai Marines had succeeded in pushing Cambodian forces back across the border and regaining full control of the affected zones. All Thai personnel involved in the operation were reported safe and no casualties were announced on the Thai side.

 

According to a report from the local security unit in Trat, the operation effectively repelled the Cambodian presence from three contested points, forcing a rapid retreat. The Thai military maintains that its response was defensive and in line with its duty to protect national sovereignty.

 

In a broader development, local authorities in Khlong Yai district reported that approximately 75% of residents had already evacuated to safer areas in Mueang Trat district between 24 and 25 July due to the escalating situation.

 

The Royal Thai Navy stated that it will continue to monitor the area and remain prepared for any further incursions.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-07-26

 

 

 

[JoePai]

allegedly crossed into Thai territory

 

A little suspect 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Royal Thai Navy Deploys Task Group of Four Vessels in Support of Trat Operation

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

The First Naval Area Command of the Royal Thai Navy has deployed a four-vessel special operations task group to support ongoing military operations under the codename “Trat Destroys the Invaders I”, in response to heightened tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border.

 

At 08:20 on 23 July, military security sources confirmed that the vessels, part of the Navy’s border protection flotilla, were dispatched to key strategic positions around Koh Kood and Ban Hat Lek in Trat province. The vessels include fast attack gunboats and armed patrol ships equipped to provide immediate artillery support to ground forces, if necessary.

 

The naval task group remains on high alert and is capable of delivering coordinated fire support within one minute of receiving an official order. The show of force is aimed at reinforcing Thailand’s maritime and territorial security in the face of recent incursions and growing hostilities in the area.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-26

 

 

 

[ikke1959]

destroy the temple and the dispute will be gone... quickest, easiest solution as it is only about possession of this temple..

 

[Gottfrid]

1 hour ago, JoePai said:

allegedly crossed into Thai territory

 

A little suspect 

Yeah sure it is. With such comment, it´s better you move to Cambodia.

[Gottfrid]

14 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

destroy the temple and the dispute will be gone... quickest, easiest solution as it is only about possession of this temple..

 

Nah, I think the easiest would be to respect the borders.

[sammieuk1]

Reports online suggest they have also just attacked Laos for some reason 🤔  

[Georgealbert]

1 minute ago, sammieuk1 said:

Reports online suggest they have also just attacked Laos for some reason 🤔  

Details here: