Bangkok: Thailand on Tuesday accused Cambodian forces of violating a recently agreed ceasefire after a cross-border incident wounded a Thai soldier, raising fresh concerns over stability along the disputed frontier between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.
According to the Thai army, Cambodian troops fired mortar rounds into Thailand’s northeastern Ubon Ratchathani province, injuring one soldier with shrapnel. The injured soldier was evacuated for medical treatment, military officials said.
The Thai army stated that Cambodia later contacted Thai military officials and claimed the incident was unintentional, describing it as an operational error rather than a deliberate attack.
“There was no intention to fire into Thai territory,” the Cambodian side reportedly told Thai forces. However, the Thai military warned Cambodian troops to exercise greater caution, stressing that any repeat of such incidents could prompt retaliatory action.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed that Bangkok had formally lodged a protest with Phnom Penh, stating that the December 27 ceasefire had been violated.
“At the military-to-military level, we were informed that this was an accident,” Anutin told reporters. “But we are seeking clarification on how responsibility will be taken.”
He added that Thailand has the capability to respond militarily if necessary, though provincial authorities have only been instructed to make precautionary preparations and no civilian evacuations have been ordered so far.
Cambodia’s defense ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata declined to comment on the alleged strike.
Fragile Truce After Deadly Clashes
The ceasefire, agreed on December 27, ended nearly three weeks of intense fighting that erupted late last year. The clashes killed dozens of people and displaced around one million civilians on both sides of the border.
Since the truce, hundreds of thousands of displaced residents have begun returning to their homes.
The long-running conflict stems from a dispute over the 800-kilometer (500-mile) border, originally demarcated during the colonial era. Both countries claim overlapping territories that include ancient temple ruins.
Under the truce agreement, Thailand and Cambodia committed to halting hostilities, freezing troop movements, and cooperating on demining operations along the border.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
As a goodwill gesture, Thailand released 18 Cambodian soldiers on December 31 who had been detained following deadly clashes in July. Bangkok described the move as an effort to build confidence, while Phnom Penh said it hoped the release would strengthen mutual trust.
Earlier ceasefire attempts, including one brokered in July by the United States, China, and Malaysia, collapsed within months. A follow-up declaration was signed in October in Malaysia under international supervision, but tensions have continued to simmer.
Tuesday’s incident underscores the fragile nature of the truce and the ongoing challenges in resolving one of Southeast Asia’s longest-running border disputes.