The Second Army Region reported that villagers searching for frogs near the border at the end of the dam in Ban Kruat district, Buriram, were chased and shot at by armed men. The site has previously been a route for illegal activities. The villagers may have accidentally encountered offenders or possibly Cambodian soldiers entering to forage for forest food due to hunger in the area.
In the latest update on the Thailand-Cambodia border situation on 10 May 2026, the Second Army Region reported an incident in the Chantabphet area of Ban Kruat district, Buriram, which occurred on 8-9 May 2026 as follows.
On 8 May 2026 at around 8:00 p.m., Mr. Apirak (Ood) Butphert, 64, residing at No. 237, Village 7, Ban Sai Tho 1 Tai, Prasat subdistrict, Ban Kruat district, Buriram, and a friend identified as Mr. Prayoon Boonkham, a resident of Ban Sai Tho 2 Tai, Village 8, Prasat subdistrict, Ban Kruat district, Buriram, went to gather forest products (catch frogs) near the area behind the Ban Sai Tho 3 Tai dam, Village 1, Chantabphet subdistrict, Ban Kruat district, Buriram.
Mr. Apirak reported that they parked their two motorcycles and walked around gathering forest products. During this, they heard people speaking in Cambodian. They stopped and saw a group of about 6-8 armed men with 2-3 lights. They believed these were likely Cambodian soldiers, causing them to feel frightened and flee the area, leaving behind two Honda Wave motorcycles, black and red, near the forest at the end of the Ban Sai Tho 3 Tai dam. While fleeing, they saw 2-3 flashlights following them. They turned off their lights, hid, and dropped the forest products. They also heard a gunshot fired in the direction of the armed group. After exiting the forest, they called the village headman, who picked them up, and they returned home safely around 11:00 p.m.
The Second Army Region assigned local task forces to coordinate with the village headman and meet with Mr. Apirak Butphert (Ood), 64, residing at No. 237, Village 7, Ban Sai Tho 1 Tai, Prasat subdistrict, Ban Kruat district, Buriram, to investigate preliminary information and led security personnel to the site where the Cambodian soldiers were reportedly seen. They then integrated forces with security agencies to retrieve the motorcycles as reported by villagers. Upon entering the area, they found and recovered two villagers’ motorcycles and proceeded with safety measures before returning the motorcycles to their owners.
According to local security information, the area has previously been used as a route for illegal cross-border activities such as drug trafficking and other illicit goods. It is possible the villagers unknowingly approached areas used by offenders, or alternatively, Cambodian soldiers may have entered the area to forage for food due to local hunger.
The Second Army Region has ordered local task forces to increase area security measures and patrols to maintain peace and protect local residents. They assured the public of their firm commitment to security operations and expressed gratitude to the community for acting as eyes and ears by providing useful information to authorities, ensuring continued orderly management of the area.