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Cambodia’s Ministry of Nationwide Protection on Monday stated that 4 Cambodian troopers had been injured by an explosion throughout a border patrol on Sunday in Oddar Meanchey province after encountering Royal Thai Armed Forces who had been working on the opposite facet of a barbed wire fence. The incident is presently below investigation.
The Cambodian troops had been patrolling a cashew plantation in Thma Don Village, Kouk Mon Commune in Banteay Ampil District the place they encountered Thai troopers on the opposite facet of a barbed wire fence, in line with ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata in a press release.
She added that “shortly after the 2 patrol [units] handed one another, an explosive system detonated behind the Cambodian patrol, injuring 4 troopers with shrapnel wounds”.
“Regarding the above explosive incident, the frontline Command Publish and professional groups are conducting a complete and meticulous investigation to find out the reason for the explosion, in order to deliver forth details for each our forces and the general public,” she talked about.
The wounded troopers are presently receiving attentive medical care from medical groups and related personnel, in line with the ministry.
In keeping with her, Cambodia reiterated its dedication to completely respect and implement the Joint Assertion of the third Particular Assembly of the Cambodia–Thailand Normal Border Committee (GBC) and current bilateral peace agreements.
Whereas the ministry’s assertion doesn’t specify the path of the explosion and the scope of the investigation, Thai Protection Ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri instantly rejected any claims that Thai forces had been concerned.
On the time of the incident, Thai troops had been conducting routine patrols to construct roads on the Thai facet after they noticed Cambodian troopers monitoring their actions, Kongsiri stated.
Round midday, Thai personnel heard an explosion from the Cambodian facet, adopted by what he described as “confusion” whereas Cambodian troops assisted the injured.
“A speedy investigation with the accountable Thai models confirmed that the explosion occurred on Cambodian territory and was not brought on by Thai forces,” Surasant instructed CamboJA Information.
He additional stated the “Royal Thai Military strictly adheres to agreements, guidelines of engagement, and worldwide regulation”.
Two days earlier, Cambodia’s Overseas Affairs and Worldwide Cooperation Ministry lodged one other protest with Thailand, accusing Thai armed forces of continued border encroachments following the set up of barbed wire within the Mother Bei space of Preah Vihear province and Chob Ruan space in Oddar Meanchey province.
In keeping with the ministry, the barbed wire was put in on July 2, 2026, contravening de-escalation measures outlined within the Joint Assertion issued after the third Particular Assembly of the Normal Border Committee (GBC) on December 27, 2025.
“The Royal Authorities of Cambodia urges Thailand to right away stop all such actions, not solely within the areas talked about above but additionally in all different territories unlawfully occupied by Thai armed forces since final yr,” the ministry stated within the protest be aware.
The most recent protest isn’t the primary allegation involving Thai troops putting in barbed wire inside Cambodian territory. A confrontation erupted in Chouk Chey in September, earlier than the second spherical of border clashes, when Cambodian civilians and Thai troopers confronted off over the boundaries. Phnom Penh has repeatedly condemned the installations, accusing Thai forces of increasing into disputed areas and violating the ceasefire settlement.
On July 3, the Overseas Affairs and Worldwide Cooperation Ministry briefed diplomats on the newest developments on the border, specializing in Thailand’s continued reinforcement of occupied positions past boundary traces which it drew unilaterally.
The ministry stated that since Thailand’s new authorities took workplace earlier this yr, there was no indication that Bangkok has taken steps to satisfy its commitments below the ceasefire association, with illegal actions within the occupied areas persevering with unabated.
Regardless of these developments, Cambodia’s Performing Overseas Affairs Minister Eat Sophea underscored the significance of the ASEAN Observer Group in supporting the implementation of the ceasefire and serving to keep stability alongside the border.
In keeping with the Inside Ministry, greater than 20,900 individuals are nonetheless not in a position to return residence as a result of their villages proceed to be occupied by the Thai navy and have additionally destroyed their homes regardless of the ceasefire.
Final week, the ministry determined to ascertain six Rong Cham villages to accommodate displaced residents in Slakram Commune, Svay Chek District in Banteay Meanchey province.
“Rong Cham”, which suggests “ready”, symbolizes the struggling endured by the displaced households, Senate President Hun Sen stated, noting that they had been compelled to desert their properties, farmland and livelihood. They proceed to dwell in worry and poverty, and feeling homesick as a result of border battle.
Impartial political analyst Meas Nee instructed CamboJA Information that the Thai navy’s actions are “provocations” meant to extend rigidity, and danger triggering an armed conflict once more.
Thailand has proven “little regard” for Cambodia regardless of current agreements as a result of it “is aware of that Cambodia is making an attempt to train restraint and keep away from armed battle”.
“Diplomatic protests are usually not efficient below present circumstances. Nonetheless, Cambodia ought to proceed gathering proof and submitting it to worldwide establishments, moderately than relying solely on diplomatic protest statements,” he stated.
If Cambodia doesn’t strengthen nationwide unity, Thailand would proceed to “mistreat and violate Cambodia”, he added.
