Chanthaburi market vendors disregarded Cambodian soldiers firing five provocative small-arms shots, saying they were not alarmed and would only evacuate upon hearing artillery fire. They appealed to the government and military to resolve the issue, noting it has been nearly a year and locals cannot make a living.
On 22 May 2026, reporters reported that Major General Winthai Suwaree, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, revealed that on 21 May 2026, the army received a report from Company 2603, Suranaree Task Force, which was conducting security reinforcement operations near boundary marker 18 in Kab Choeng District, Surin Province. Around 14:20, personnel heard five small-arms shots from the south, approximately 600 meters away, within Cambodian-controlled territory. Afterwards, they carefully monitored the situation and found nothing abnormal, then continued their mission.
In this incident, none of our personnel were injured, and no return fire was made to avoid revealing our positions and deployments. The Suranaree Task Force has ordered vigilance and strict adherence to rules of engagement according to the situation.
Although the Cambodian side's actions appear to be long-distance provocations, they clearly violate the joint declarations. The Suranaree Task Force will warn and protest these violations through local coordination channels.
Meanwhile, the Suranaree forces emphasized that local units will adhere to rules of engagement and remain ready for any situation, as previously reported.
Reporters visiting villages along the Thai-Cambodian border found residents continuing normal lives without panic, prepared to evacuate immediately if emergencies arise, having experienced evacuation twice before.
Especially at the Chanthaburi border market, Thai vendors still operated normally, although many shops had closed previously due to two past conflicts, resulting in a lack of tourists crossing the border as before.
Ms. Duangrat Supoonthon, a general goods vendor at the Chanthaburi border market, said she felt indifferent to the five shots fired by Cambodian soldiers, not alarmed or frightened. However, if artillery fire occurs, she would evacuate immediately. She said she no longer wants to pay attention as the Cambodians have long provoked, draining the spirit of those trying to make a living. Life on the border is already difficult; constant fear makes it impossible to work. She believes Cambodia is provoking to force Thailand to open fire again. If fighting resumes, she wants it to end quickly without prolonging the conflict, as locals are struggling to survive. Daily provocations worsen the hardship. She is ready to evacuate when necessary. When incidents occur, the area becomes even quieter; normally, it is quiet since no one wants to come to this risky area. She did not hear the five shots because she was not paying attention, only hearing passing vehicles. In rubber plantations or rice fields, the shots might be heard. She urged the government and military to resolve the conflict once and for all, noting it has been nearly a year with no progress. The provocations continue; if there is to be fighting, then do it and finish it.