Gunfire heard near Chong Bok Saturday afternoon

Gunfire near Chong Bok sparks security alert as Thai troops boost border patrols amid rising tensions with Cambodia.

Gunfire was heard near the Chong Bok border pass in Ubon Ratchathani on Saturday afternoon, prompting Thai troops to step up security along the Cambodian border in Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, and Surin provinces.

A military source said it was believed that a Cambodian soldier stationed near the border fired his rifle into the air close to Chong Bok in Tambon Dome Pradit, Wang Nam Yuen district, while Thai troops were repairing a road nearby.

Following the sound of gunfire, the Thai military alerted local residents living along the border in Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, and Surin.

In response, the Si Sa Ket provincial administration instructed village defence volunteers along the border to enhance security measures to protect villagers, effective from Saturday evening until further notice.

On May 28, Thai and Cambodian troops clashed near Chong Bok after Thai forces discovered Cambodian soldiers had intruded into Thai territory and dug trenches. The incident sparked escalating tensions along the border.

(2025/06/15-00:00)