This timeline details the key events in the recent border dispute, starting with the first fatal incident and ending with the recent return of two captured Cambodian soldiers.
May 28: The First Shot
EVENT: A Cambodian soldier, Second Lieutenant Suon Roun, is killed during a brief but intense 10-minute clash with Thai soldiers.
LOCATION: Disputed border area in the Emerald Triangle, near Cambodia's Preah Vihear province.
IMPACT: This is the first fatality and marks the beginning of a rapid escalation in tensions. Both nations blame each other for firing first.
May 29: A Call for Calm
EVENT: High-level military commanders from both Cambodia and Thailand hold an urgent meeting.
GOAL: To de-escalate the situation and coordinate efforts to prevent more fighting.
OUTCOME: Despite talks, tensions remain extremely high on the ground.
June - Mid-July: A Period of Rising Tensions
EVENTS:
Bilateral talks are held but fail to produce a concrete resolution.
Both countries reinforce their military presence along the border.
Cambodia bans some Thai imports; diplomatic relations are strained.
Several incidents involving landmines injure Thai soldiers, increasing mistrust.
July 24: Major Escalation
EVENT: Intense, five-day combat erupts along the border, involving heavy artillery, rocket fire, and Thai airstrikes.
IMPACT: This is the most serious military confrontation in over a decade, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries on both sides and displacing over 200,000 civilians.
July 28: A Fragile Ceasefire
EVENT: Following international pressure, a temporary ceasefire agreement is reached.
TERMS: The ceasefire officially begins at midnight (24:00) on July 28.
July 29: The "Handshake" Betrayal
EVENT: A group of approximately 20 Cambodian soldiers approaches a Thai position inside Cambodian territory, intending to exchange post-ceasefire greetings.
THE TRICK: After offering handshakes, Thai forces suddenly capture the Cambodian soldiers. One Cambodian soldier manages to escape.
VIOLATION: This action is a severe violation of the ceasefire agreement that had just come into effect hours earlier.
August 1: Two Soldiers Returned, But Questions Remain
EVENT: Thailand repatriates two of the captured Cambodian soldiers at the O'Smach International Border Checkpoint.
THEIR CONDITION: The soldiers are returned in poor health. One has a broken arm and other wounds, requiring a wheelchair. The other appears to be suffering from severe psychological distress and battle fatigue.
CURRENT STATUS: The remaining 18 Cambodian soldiers are still being held by Thailand, and the Cambodian government continues to demand their immediate and unconditional release.