Does Cambodia Really Intend to Fire into Thai Territory?
Synopsis
Tensions rise as Cambodia denies intentions to fire into Thai territory after a recent border incident left a soldier injured. With ongoing discussions for a special meeting on border demarcation, both nations strive for peace amidst rising concerns over territorial integrity.
Key Takeaways
Cambodia denies intention to fire into Thai territory.
Incident resulted from an operational error during a mission.
Injured Thai soldier is stable.
Majority of Cambodian evacuees have returned home.
Proposed meeting aims to resolve border demarcation issues.
Bangkok, Jan 6 (NationPress) The spokesperson for the Thai Army, Winthai Suvaree, announced on Tuesday that Cambodian authorities have reached out to local Thai military units, asserting they have no plans to fire into Thai territory.
Earlier that day, the Thai military reported via social media that Cambodia had breached the ceasefire agreement by launching a mortar shell in the border region at approximately 7:25 a.m. local time, resulting in injuries to one Thai soldier.
According to Winthai, the Cambodian representatives attributed the incident to a misstep by their forces during operations.
The explosion resulted in a Thai soldier suffering shrapnel wounds to his right arm, as confirmed by Thailand's 2nd Area Command, which added that medical assessments indicated the serviceman's condition is stable and not life-threatening, as reported by Xinhua.
The command is currently investigating the cause of the explosion and has instructed all subordinate units to enhance vigilance during operations to ensure the safety of military personnel and local residents, promising timely updates.
As of Tuesday, approximately 68.4% of Cambodian evacuees affected by a recent border conflict with Thailand have returned home, reported Touch Sokhak, spokesperson for Cambodia's Interior Ministry.
Sokhak noted that around 444,179 out of 649,023 evacuees have made their way back.
He added, “About 204,844 individuals, including 108,466 women and 66,892 children, remain in displacement camps.”
Following three weeks of armed conflict that resulted in casualties on both sides, Cambodia and Thailand agreed to a ceasefire on December 27, 2025.
On Monday, Cambodia reiterated its proposal to Thailand for a special meeting on border demarcation, aimed for the second or third week of January in Siem Reap province, as per a release from Cambodia's State Secretariat of Border Affairs.
The Cambodian authorities have formally requested, through a Note Verbale dated January 5, 2026, that Thailand convene a special session of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission in Siem Reap during that timeframe.
This proposed meeting aims to address the survey and demarcation processes, alongside concerns regarding the Thai military's actions that reportedly violate Cambodia's territorial sovereignty, the release indicated.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the importance of diplomatic dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand. Both nations must prioritize peaceful resolutions to conflicts and work collaboratively to uphold regional stability.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the mortar incident?
The Cambodian side attributed the mortar incident to an operational error during a military mission.
How many Cambodian evacuees have returned home?
Approximately 68.4% of the Cambodian evacuees have returned to their homes, with around 444,179 individuals back.
What is the status of the injured Thai soldier?
The soldier sustained shrapnel injuries but is in stable condition and not facing life-threatening issues.
When is the proposed meeting for border demarcation?
Cambodia has suggested a special meeting in the second or third week of January 2026 in Siem Reap.
What is the significance of the ceasefire agreement?
The ceasefire agreement, established on December 27, 2025, aims to halt conflict and promote dialogue between the two nations.
