Thai soldiers launched concentrated artillery fire in response to Cambodian troops at the Trat border since early morning after an attempt to seize three houses. They asserted the area will definitely not be retaken and are rushing to locate four additional tank mines hidden around the houses.
On 19 Dec 2025 GMT+7, reporters learned that gunfire erupted again at the Trat border around 05:00–06:00. Lieutenant Commander Thammanoon Wanna, commander of the Trat Marine Task Force, reported that during this period Thai forces detected Cambodian movements, with 3–4 vehicles entering the area of the three houses. This prompted Thai troops to unleash artillery and machine gun fire to drive them out. Small arms exchanges occurred, but Cambodian forces lacked heavy weapons as these had already been destroyed.
The commander of the Trat Marine Task Force added that after Thai forces seized the three houses on 14 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Cambodian troops have persistently tried to retake them. Thai soldiers have used the strongholds and bunkers originally constructed by the Cambodians—which have withstood F-16 bomb blasts—to counterattack. Currently, Thai forces are determined to hold onto the three houses.
All necessary troops have now been deployed, and confidence remains high that Cambodian forces cannot recapture the three houses. Cambodian strength and morale have significantly weakened. Evidence of their hasty retreat includes abandoned backpacks and numerous weapons. Their attempt to retake the houses likely follows orders to avoid charges of rebellion rather than genuine combat readiness.
"A major concern for the Trat Marine Task Force is the tank mines adapted and planted throughout the area around the three houses. So far, bomb disposal teams have safely defused 16 mines, but we believe four more remain hidden and have yet to be found," said Lieutenant Commander Thammanoon.
Regarding the broader situation, Lieutenant Commander Thammanoon confirmed that the Khlong Yai and Bo Rai districts are now safe, with no retaliatory fire for over seven days, allowing residents to return to their homes normally. As for the recent gunfire and smoke near the three houses, investigations revealed it was from villagers burning debris, not ambushes as some feared.
Concerning reports of drones flying over Ban Tha Sen, Lieutenant Commander Thammanoon clarified most are small reconnaissance drones intended to harass rather than attack. He believes these drones are launched from nearby areas. He urged the public not to panic, assuring that Thai forces have monitoring measures in place and know the enemy's positions clearly.
