Thailand warns of action after mortar incident from Cambodia

Bangkok states its readiness to respond following a mortar shell incident from Cambodia that crossed the border, despite Phnom Penh's claim that the event was an accident.

Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a protest note to Cambodia on 6/1, after a mortar shell explosion in the Chong Bok area near the border injured a Thai soldier. Acting Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the diplomatic action, stating that the incident could be viewed as "a violation of the ceasefire agreement" reached in late 12/2025.

The mortar shell, believed to have been fired from the Cambodian side, landed on the morning of 6/1 in the area of Hill 469 in Chong Bok, Nam Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani province. The injured soldier, whose life was not in danger, was evacuated for treatment.

Prime Minister Anutin emphasized that Thailand has not yet retaliated but remains prepared, with any response to be determined by the military. He confirmed that military coordination channels on the ground are active, and border local authorities have been instructed to monitor the situation closely and assist residents. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that Thai forces exercised restraint, contacting Cambodia immediately for verification rather than retaliating.

The Thai military also issued a protest communique, demanding clarification. Thai army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree reported that the Cambodian military had contacted them, explaining the incident was not an intentional attack but an error by some soldiers during operations. Spokesperson Winthai urged Cambodia to exercise extreme caution and strictly adhere to the ceasefire, clarifying responsibility for the incident. He warned that Thailand might "take proportionate defensive measures" if similar incidents recur.

Cambodian officials have not commented on these developments. The border region has seen renewed conflict, with clashes re-erupting in early 12/2025, resulting in the deaths of at least 23 people in Thailand and 32 in Cambodia, and displacing over 900,000 residents from both nations.

In response to the earlier violence, representatives of the Joint Cambodia-Thailand Border Committee (GBC) signed a joint statement on 27/12/2025. This statement reaffirmed their commitment to fully implement the ceasefire, agreeing to work towards peace, stability, and security for people living along the border. Key provisions included refraining from unprovoked firing, troop advances, or deploying forces close to the other side's positions.