Bangkok, December 7th, 2025 – Thailand’s National Police Chief, Police General Kitrat Phanphet, has issued immediate orders for police units along the Thai-Cambodian border to assist in evacuating civilians to safety following renewed armed clashes that broke out this afternoon in the disputed area near Phu Pha Lek–Playa Hin Paet Korn at Eight Stone Plateau.
Police Lieutenant General Yingyot Thepjamnong, Assistant National Police Chief and spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, told reporters that the fighting began when Cambodian forces allegedly opened fire in the vicinity of the contested border zone, prompting Thai troops to return fire. The exchanges have continued intermittently as of press time.
The Second Army Region, which oversees northeastern Thailand, has assessed the situation as “highly unpredictable,” warning that the clashes could escalate and spread. Civilians living close to the border in the four affected provinces—Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani—are being urged to evacuate immediately to designated safe zones.
“The Commissioner-General has directed all police stations in the border areas of these four provinces to give top priority to helping residents move to safety,” Pol. Lt. Gen. Yingyot said. “Border Patrol Police (BPP) units and provincial police forces in the four provinces have been placed on 100% alert status and stand ready to support military operations to protect national sovereignty the moment assistance is requested.”
In addition to evacuation support, police have been instructed to implement rear-area security plans, safeguard lives and property, and manage traffic flow to ensure both military operations and civilian movement proceed smoothly and without disruption.
Military sources confirmed that Thai troops remain deployed along the border in a defensive posture while senior commanders from both sides are reportedly in contact to prevent further escalation.
Authorities have not yet announced how many residents may need to be relocated, but local officials in the four provinces have begun activating emergency shelters and coordinating transport for affected communities.
Further updates are expected as the situation develops.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
