Thailand Accuses Cambodia of Border Ceasefire Breach

BANGKOK: Just ten days after signing a delicate ceasefire agreement, Thailand has officially accused Cambodia of violating the truce following a cross-border mortar incident on Tuesday morning that left a Thai soldier wounded.

The Thai Army released a stern statement alleging that Cambodian forces fired mortar rounds into Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province. The wounded soldier reportedly suffered shrapnel injuries. While the Cambodian side later characterized the incident as an “operational error” with “no intention to fire,” the Thai government has lodged a formal protest.

In a starkly different account of the morning’s events, Cambodia’s Defence Ministry spokeswoman, Maly Socheata, claimed that the injuries sustained on their side were the result of a domestic accident.

Socheata stated that two Cambodian soldiers were hospitalized in Preah Vihear province after a “pile of garbage” exploded during routine cleaning duties. She did not directly acknowledge the mortar strike alleged by Bangkok but confirmed that border coordination teams from both nations had consulted on the matter.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters in Bangkok that while the military had been told the incident was an “accident,” Thailand is seeking full accountability.

“The truce was violated,” Anutin said, adding a pointed warning: “Thailand has the capability to respond.” His comments reflect the high stakes of a conflict that, in December alone, killed dozens and displaced nearly one million civilians.

The incident occurred in the notorious “Emerald Triangle,” where the borders of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos converge. This region has been a hotbed for military friction, fueled by long-standing disputes over colonial-era maps and the ownership of ancient temple ruins.

Under the December 27 truce, both nations had pledged to freeze troop movements and cooperate on demining—a promise that now appears to be hanging by a thread as both militaries remain on high alert.