Bangkok: The Thai army has issued a stern warning to Cambodia, urging strict adherence to the existing ceasefire agreement, following an incident involving mortar rounds in the Nam Yuen District of Ubon Ratchathani Province. The Royal Thai Army, supported by a contingent of six soldiers, took immediate action after the discovery of these rounds.
According to Thai News Agency, Major General Winthai Suvari, the spokesman for the Royal Thai Army, disclosed that at 7:40 AM, the Suranaree Task Force of the 2nd Army Area detected an unidentified weapon being fired from the Cambodian side into Thai territory near Hill 469. This incident resulted in a Thai soldier suffering minor injuries from shrapnel. The investigation revealed that the rounds were from a mortar launcher fired from the Cambodian side.
Following the incident, the Cambodian side confirmed that there was no intention to fire weapons into Thai territory, attributing the incident to an operational error by Cambodian personnel. In response, the local Thai military unit has cautioned the Cambodian forces to exercise greater care, emphasizing the potential need for retaliatory action in self-defense should a similar incident occur again.
The army spokesperson assured that the Thai military remains vigilant and has contingency plans ready to protect the nation's sovereignty and the safety of its citizens along the Cambodian border. The current situation is being closely monitored, but it has not escalated to a level of significant concern. The public is encouraged to remain confident in the army's management of the border situation, as there have been no further reports of weapon usage in other areas. Residents in the border region are advised to continue their daily activities as usual, with assurances of prompt communication if the situation changes.