[4] As the agreed-upon river Hoeng separated into two tributaries, both parties claimed different ones as the border, which, alongside logging disputes, gave rise to this conflict.

The government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic protested strongly, insisting the village was part of Botene District of Sainyabuli Province.

Thailand replied that the village belonged to Chat Trakan District (amphoe) of Phitsanulok Province.

Frequent aerial attacks continued against the dug-in Lao alongside artillery exchanges, and by mid-January 1988 the Thais claimed to have secured 70% of ground around Hill 1428.

The fighting continued in February as the Lao still retained strategic high ground, with the Thais losing two aircraft.