Cambodia probes recent border blast that injured soldiers

Cambodia's Defence Ministry has launched an investigation into an explosion near the border that it claims injured four of its soldiers, while the Thai Army maintains the blast was likely caused by the soldiers stepping on an old landmine inside Cambodian territory.

The Khmer Times quoted the ministry as saying in a statement that the explosion occurred at about 12.35pm on July 5, in a cashew plantation in Chouk Kruos village, Banteay Ampil district, Oddar Meanchey province.

A Cambodian patrol encountered a Thai military unit on a border patrol, operating on the opposite side of a barbed-wire fence.

"Shortly after both patrols had passed one another, an explosive device detonated behind our patrol, wounding four Cambodian personnel with shrapnel," the Cambodian ministry said, adding that the injured soldiers are receiving medical treatment.

The ministry said frontline commanders and explosive ordnance experts are conducting a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the blast.

It also reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment to the ceasefire and peace declarations signed in October and December 2025, saying that the agreements are intended to restore normality and ensure lasting peace and stability along the border.

Cambodian media reported that the explosion occurred after Thai troops allegedly crossed into Cambodian territory and threw a hand grenade at the Cambodian soldiers. Initial reports had said that three soldiers were injured.

Thai Army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree rejected the allegation, saying that the Thai side had also investigated the incident.

He claimed that evidence, including photographs of the injured soldiers circulating on social media, suggest that their wounds are more consistent with a landmine blast than a hand grenade explosion.

Winthai said the Cambodian soldiers may have accidentally stepped on an old landmine inside Cambodian territory.