The Royal Thai Army has no plans to open the Klong Luek checkpoint and explains the gunfire near the border at Chong Bok and Ta Muean Thom, attributing it to possible lax discipline among Cambodian soldiers.
On 23 March, Major General Winthai Suwaree, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, addressed the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border following unusual reports and events in multiple areas. Gunfire was heard at approximately 15:48 on 23 March 2026 near the Emerald Triangle at Chong Bok, Ubon Ratchathani Province, and along the Ta Muean Thom Castle line in Surin Province, locations where Cambodian soldiers have bases near the castle fence. Although recent detailed reports are not yet available, sporadic gunfire or explosions have been heard occasionally in the past. It is considered unlikely that these incidents are intentional acts aimed at harming Thailand, but rather may result from poor discipline among soldiers on the Cambodian side.
The Army spokesperson also said that local coordination units have been issuing continuous alerts and maintaining communication. In areas with higher risk, stricter warning measures are implemented. As of today, it remains unclear exactly which side the gunfire originated from, but statistics show that most incidents come from the Cambodian side.
Regarding rumors about preparations to open the Klong Luek border checkpoint in Sa Kaeo Province, the Army spokesperson confirmed no knowledge of such plans and said the matter has not been discussed for a long time. Concerning reports that Cambodia might temporarily suspend LPG sales domestically, there is no information on LPG, but regarding oil, it is confirmed that Thailand does not export oil to Cambodia.
As for concerns about oil exports to Laos potentially being diverted to Cambodia, it is confirmed that the military and relevant agencies have stringent control measures sufficient to prevent such occurrences. The LPG situation is still under fact-checking and investigation.