At least five Cambodian civilians were injured after Thai soldiers reportedly opened fire near the border in Banteay Meanchey province on Wednesday(October, 12) afternoon.
Local authorities confirmed that the incident occurred in Prey Chan village of Ou Beychoan commune, Ou Chrov district. Banteay Meanchey Deputy Governor and spokesman Ly Sovannarith said the soldiers used live ammunition during the shooting.
“The shooting just happened, and they used live bullets,” Sovannarith stated, adding that officials were working to verify the exact number of casualties and the circumstances leading to the confrontation, Camness reported.
Information Minister Neth Pheaktra also confirmed the incident, citing preliminary reports from local authorities. “Thai soldiers opened fire on civilians, injuring five,” he said.
This marks the first reported case of Thai forces using live rounds against unarmed Cambodian civilians along the contested border.
A previous border incident on September 17 saw the Thai military use rubber bullets and tear gas against Cambodian nationals and Buddhist monks, injuring dozens. Authorities on both sides have yet to release an official explanation regarding the latest clash.
BOB Post
