Bangkok, December 9th, 2025– A Thai soldier has died from severe injuries sustained in renewed fighting along the Thailand-Cambodia border, military officials announced on Tuesday morning.
Private Wayu Khwan Suea, from the 27th Infantry Regiment’s Company 3, was critically wounded on December 8th when shrapnel from an explosion struck his right arm and leg in the area around Ta Kwai Temple (known as Prasat Ta Krabey in Cambodia) in Surin Province. He was immediately evacuated to Phanom Dong Rak Hospital but succumbed to his injuries early Tuesday.
Another soldier, Sergeant Nattawut Sangkamanee, an assistant intelligence non-commissioned officer with the regiment’s SSK Company, was also injured in the chest during the same incident and remains under treatment at the same facility.
The Royal Thai Army’s 2nd Region confirmed the information amid reports of intense exchanges of fire that began over the weekend and intensified today. Thai officials accused Cambodian forces of initiating the attacks, prompting retaliatory airstrikes on Cambodian military positions, including the destruction of a cable car supplying a hill near the temple. Cambodia denied firing first and reported civilian deaths from Thai actions.
The clashes have shattered a fragile ceasefire brokered in October, following deadly fighting earlier in the year that displaced hundreds of thousands and drew international concern, including mediation efforts involving U.S. President Donald Trump. Disputes center on ancient Khmer temples and unclear colonial-era borders, with Ta Kwai one of several contested sites.
Thai authorities have evacuated hundreds of thousands of civilians from border areas, while both sides trade blame for violations. The army has paid tribute to Private Wayu for his sacrifice in defending national sovereignty and pledged full support to his family.
Photos: Royal Thai Army of damage done to structures in border zones.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
