Gunfire at Thai-Cambodian Border: Army Tightens Security, Warning Shots Fired at Suspicious Western Man
On May 13, 2026, at 6:40 p.m., Thai media reported a border security incident along the Thai-Cambodian frontier. The 2nd Army Region received an urgent alert from Suranaree forces that Cambodian troops fired 11 shots across key areas near O Smach and Chong Chom. Gunfire began at Hill 278 east of Chong Chom, then spread toward the market and road into O Smach, with 1-2 shots at each point. Thai security assessed this as “probing fire” to test Thai defenses. Heavy rain later ended the shooting.
Earlier that morning, around 9:00 a.m., Thai soldiers spotted a suspicious Western man - Kevin Smith who often creates content by spray-painting Thai military containers at various sites, repeatedly provoking and harassing, and posting videos insulting Thailand - near the barbed-wire boundary. He ignored warnings, prompting Thai troops to fire two warning shots to prevent intrusion.
The 2nd Army has since ordered round‑the‑clock vigilance and reinforced readiness. Officials confirmed the situation remains under control but emphasized maximum preparedness.
Content creator reports shots fired by Thai forces during border visit - phnompenhpost.com