Cambodia and Thailand traded accusations Tuesday over a possible breach of a 10-day ceasefire along their disputed border, with both countries reporting military injuries.
Thailand’s military said Cambodian forces fired mortars into Ubon Ratchathani province on Tuesday morning, injuring a Thai soldier with shrapnel. The Thai army later said its Cambodian counterparts called a military unit to clarify there was no intent to strike Thai territory, attributing the incident to an operational error. Thai authorities warned of potential retaliation if a similar event occurred again.
Cambodia’s defense ministry reported that two of its soldiers were injured around the same time in Preah Vihear province, across the border from Ubon Ratchathani. Defense ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata said the injuries occurred during routine duties when an explosion from a “pile of garbage” took place. She did not address Thailand’s claim of incoming fire.
According to Socheata, border coordination teams from both sides discussed the incident. The area lies in a region known as the Emerald Triangle, where the borders of Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos meet.
The December 27 ceasefire followed weeks of clashes that killed dozens and displaced about one million people. Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said his government had formally protested the latest incident, citing a violation of the truce. “At the military-to-military level, we have been told the incident was an accident, but we are seeking clarification on how responsibility will be taken,” Anutin said.
He noted that Thailand had the “capability to respond,” though he did not outline specific actions.
Tensions stem from a long-standing dispute over demarcation of the 800-kilometer border, with both sides claiming areas that include ancient temple ruins.
The recent ceasefire agreement included commitments to halt troop movements and cooperate on demining. On December 31, Thailand released 18 Cambodian soldiers held since July. Bangkok described the move as “a demonstration of goodwill,” while Phnom Penh said the release could help build trust.
A previous truce in July, brokered by the United States, China, and Malaysia, was short-lived.
Cambodia last week called for Thai troops to withdraw from several contested areas, a claim Thailand denied, stating its forces remain in long-held Thai territory.
On Tuesday, Cambodia’s defense ministry proposed holding a bilateral border committee meeting later this month in Siem Reap province. Thailand has indicated such talks may not occur until after the country’s scheduled February 8 election.
