Bangkok: The Royal Thai Army has firmly countered Cambodia’s assertions, presenting what it claims is clear evidence that Cambodia initiated gunfire, resulting in injuries to two Thai soldiers on duty within Thai territory.

According to Thai News Agency, the incident in question occurred on December 7, 2015, when Lieutenant General Malee Socheata, spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of Defense, alleged that Thai forces were the first to open fire at 2:15 p.m. in the Phlan Thom area, Chom Krasarn District, Preah Vihear Province. The Cambodian side claimed that Thailand deployed small arms, machine guns, B-40 weapons, and 60 mm mortars, while insisting that Cambodia did not retaliate.

However, Army spokesman Major General Winthai Suvari refuted these claims, stating that the Cambodian soldiers had encroached upon the Phu Pha Lek-Phlan Hin Paet Kon area in Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province. At the time, the Thai forces were engaged in road improvement activities on Thai soil. The Cambodian soldiers allegedly fired at the security team safeguarding the roadwork, prompting an exchange of fire in line with the rules of engagement, which led to the clash.

The skirmish resulted in injuries to two Thai soldiers: Sergeant Anuchat Ruankham sustained a leg injury, while Private First Class Phonchai Champajum was shot in the chest, though the bullet was stopped by his bulletproof vest. The Royal Thai Army maintains that Cambodia’s claim of not firing is untrue, labeling it an unsubstantiated assertion often made by Cambodia when they initiate an attack. Thailand asserts it possesses clear evidence to corroborate the time, location, and impact on Thai personnel involved in the incident.