The evacuation order, issued yesterday afternoon, covers areas along the frontier in Buriram, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani. Authorities cited “current uncertainty and the possibility that the clashes may escalate,” urging residents to move to designated shelters, reports the Bangkok Post.
According to the army, Cambodian troops opened fire in the Phu Pha Lek-Phlan Hin Paet Kon area at 2:15pm. Two Thai soldiers were hit, prompting Thai forces to return fire. Cambodian troops later fired recoilless rifles, the statement said.
The exchange ended at 2:50pm. Sgt Anuchart Rueankham was shot in the leg, while Pvt Pornchai Champachum sustained chest bruising and pain after a round struck his bullet-proof vest.
The Second Army Region said Thai troops “returned fire proportionally and strictly in accordance with the Rules of Engagement”. Security agencies are monitoring the situation and advised local residents to remain sheltered.
The clash comes shortly after Thailand urged the United Nations to investigate Cambodia’s widespread use of landmines inside Thai territory along the border, which has resulted in injuries to several Thai soldiers and a Chinese civilian.