Picture courtesy of ThaiRath.

 

A fierce and prolonged battle erupted along the Thai-Cambodian border in the Chong Krang area near Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin province, resulting in the death of one Thai soldier and injuries to dozens more. The intense fighting took place near the ancient sites of Ta Khwai and Ta Muen Thom temples.

 

At approximately 12:10 on 28 July, a Thai Army helicopter evacuated a severely wounded soldier from the Phu Sing district battlefield. The soldier, gravely injured during the clash, later succumbed to a gunshot wound to the head despite emergency medical efforts.

 

Reports indicate that dozens of other Thai troops were injured in the same engagement and are being transported via military vehicles to field hospitals for urgent treatment.

 

The hostilities began after intelligence revealed that Cambodian forces had mobilised tanks, heavy weaponry and troops close to the border areas of Phanom Dong Rak and Kap Choeng districts. Thai forces responded with significant countermeasures, including the deployment of F-16 fighter jets, which carried out airstrikes in support of ground operations at around 10:30.

 

A separate incursion was reported near the Huai Dan Reservoir in Dan subdistrict, Kap Choeng. Cambodian soldiers allegedly crossed a canal into Thai territory before being repelled by Thai troops.

 

By midday, Thai forces reportedly succeeded in dispersing Cambodian units that had massed near Phanom Dong Rak. However, sporadic exchanges of gunfire were still heard in the area, suggesting the situation remains tense and fluid.

 

The Thai military has yet to issue a full casualty report or confirm the status of Cambodian forces, but the day’s events mark one of the most serious escalations in the ongoing border tensions between the two nations.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from ThaiRath 2025-07-28

 

 

 

So far for the truce...