Cambodian General Srey Duk Killed During Border Clash with Thai Forces

Gen. Srey Duk, deputy commander of the Royal Cambodian Army and a close ally of former Prime Minister Hun Sen, has been killed in a clash with Thai forces along the contested Thai-Cambodian border.

This is according to Bangkok Post citing a source from Thailand’s Second Army Region.

The general, who also led Cambodia’s 3rd Support Division, died during a skirmish near Chong Bok in Ubon Ratchathani, a region long marked by territorial disputes between the two countries.

Prior to the clash, Gen. Srey Duk had met with Maj. Gen. Sompop Paravej, commander of Thailand's Suranaree task force, to address troop encroachments in the disputed area. Their talks led to limited de-escalation efforts, including backfilling trenches and partial troop withdrawals on June 8.

Tensions reignited following a musical performance organized by Gen. Srey Duk’s wife at the Tri Muk Pavilion, located within the overlapping Emerald Triangle zone. Thai officials viewed the event as a breach of informal agreements and issued warnings.

Jakrapob Penkair, adviser to the Thai prime minister’s secretary-general, claimed the general responded aggressively. In a Facebook post, he wrote: “Let this be recorded before it is forgotten that Gen. Srey, who died in the Thai counterattack, was the instigator of this bloodshed between the two countries.”

Jakrapob accused Gen. Srey Duk of escalating tensions by digging trenches inside Thai territory—calling it a premeditated act to provoke confrontation.

Gen. Srey Duk was also involved in the 2011 military clash near Preah Vihear temple, another disputed zone between the two countries.

The Cambodian government has not yet issued an official statement on the general’s death.