The reescalation of conflict was sparked on May 28, when a Cambodian soldier was killed in an early morning clash between both nations’ troops, in an area called the Emerald Triangle—the shared border between Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. The area remains disputed as both Thailand and Cambodia lay claims to parts of the region.

According to The Nation, Cambodia had similarly blocked Thai agricultural imports at the same checkpoint on Jun. 14 and ordered delivery trucks to turn back, though the ban was lifted a day later following negotiations between Thai and Cambodian authorities.