Thai Army reports Cambodian fire at Chong An Ma, stresses measured response

Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army (RTA), reported that on September 27 between approximately 12:00-12:30, the army received reports from the Second Army Area that Cambodian soldiers fired small arms and grenade launchers towards Thai positions at Chong An Ma in Ubon Ratchathani province.

The Suranaree Task Force has been placed on high alert and has been ordered to respond proportionately according to the situation, he said.

Winthai noted that Cambodian forces have frequently deployed an Interim Observer Team (IOT) to the area, suggesting that the provocations were designed to prompt Thai return fire. This could then be used as evidence to claim Thailand had violated ceasefire measures.

At present, there are no reports of injuries or fatalities among Thai forces. Any further developments will be communicated promptly.

The 2nd Army Area Operations Center reports the following situation along the Thai-Cambodian border as of September 27, 2025, 1400 hrs.

Overall Situation:

At 12:02 hrs on September 27, Cambodian forces once again attempted to escalate tensions in the Chong An Ma area of Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, by firing weapons from Hill 677 toward Hill 600 and Hill 527, accompanied by intermittent small-arms fire, before the situation subsided. The clash remained confined to this area, but both sides continue to maintain a close military presence.

Later in the afternoon, the Thai side was notified by Cambodia that a Cambodian Interim Observer Team (IOT) would visit the Chong An Ma area. The 2nd Army Area assesses this as an effort by Cambodia to create conditions and provoke an incident timed to coincide with the IOT visit—a tactic repeatedly used by Cambodia in the past and again employed in this instance.

Thai forces also detected that Cambodian personnel had pre-positioned cameras near an operations base south of Chong An Ma, indicating a clear intention to record and disseminate footage internationally to portray Thailand as the aggressor, despite the provocation originating from the Cambodian side.

The use of weapon fire in broad daylight—offering no tactical advantage—underscores a deliberate attempt to provoke a Thai response. Any retaliation could then be exploited to accuse Thailand of violating the ceasefire agreement and amplify such claims in international forums.

Despite these provocations, Thailand continues to manage the situation with prudence and restraint, avoiding any action that could benefit Cambodian propaganda. At the same time, the Royal Thai Army reaffirms its readiness to fully defend national sovereignty and security while ensuring the safety of Thai civilians in the area.

Meanwhile, the 2nd Army Area has deployed Civil Affairs teams to coordinate assistance and provide continuous support to residents along the Thailand-Cambodia border, reassuring the public that the Army will not abandon them and stands ready to protect and assist in all situations.

The 2nd Army Area will continue to closely monitor developments and provide regular updates. The public is urged to exercise discretion when receiving information and to follow only official security agency channels to avoid misunderstandings or the spread of inaccurate news.