Maly Socheata, spokesperson for Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense, stated the incident occurred at 7:27 AM at an outpost in the Mum Bei area of Preah Vihear province. The explosion originated from a pile of trash while soldiers were conducting routine security operations. Medics took the two injured Cambodian soldiers to the hospital for treatment.

"The Cambodia-Thailand Border Coordination Task Force consulted, exchanged information, and cooperated to ensure a swift resolution of the issue", Socheata said. Authorities have not released the cause of the explosion. Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense emphasized its commitment to peace and adherence to international law, as well as full respect and implementation of the ceasefire agreement with Thailand.

Chong Bok and other areas along the Cambodia-Thailand border. Graphic: CNA

On the same day, the Thai army accused Cambodia of violating the ceasefire by firing mortars at their position on Hill 469 in the Chong Bok area, injuring one soldier. Thai officials have not commented on Cambodia's statement about the trash-related explosion.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that the Thai government had sent a diplomatic note to Cambodia regarding the mortar incident. "Through military channels, they informed us this was an accident. However, we are clarifying who will be held responsible", he said. In a statement on 6/1, Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense did not mention the mortar incident.

Mum Bei is Cambodia's name for the Emerald Triangle, a common border area between Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos. Within the Emerald Triangle lies the Chong Bok pass, part of the Dangrek mountain range, which forms a significant portion of the natural border between Cambodia and Thailand.

Clashes erupted in early 12/2025, resulting in at least 23 deaths in Thailand and 32 in Cambodia, with over 900,000 residents in both countries evacuated.

Military vehicle on a road in Cambodia in 7/2025. Photo: Reuters

Representatives from the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Border Committee (GBC) signed a joint statement on 27/12/2025, reaffirming their commitment to fully implement the ceasefire. Both sides agreed to work towards peace, stability, and security for residents living along the border area, and to refrain from unprovoked firing, advancing troops, or deploying forces close to the other side's positions.

Nguyen Tien (According to Khmer Times, Nation Thailand, AFP)