Thai Army again denies role in border blast, warns against false claims

The Thai Army has again rejected Cambodia's implication that Thai troops were involved in a recent border explosion that injured four Cambodian soldiers, urging Phnom Penh to stop making what it described as "unsubstantiated accusations" that could undermine efforts to resolve the border dispute peacefully.

Thai Army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree was responding to remarks made by Cambodia's Defence Ministry spokesperson on July 6 regarding an explosion that occurred at 12.35pm on July 5 near Thmor Don village in Oddar Meanchey province.

Cambodia said four of its soldiers were injured in the blast and alleged that the incident occurred shortly after a Cambodian border patrol encountered a Thai patrol operating on the opposite side of a barbed-wire fence.

Winthai said Cambodian authorities should report the facts of the incident to their superiors rather than attempting to blame Thailand without clear evidence. He suggested that the explosion may have resulted from negligence or a lapse in discipline on the Cambodian side.

According to Cambodia's Defence Ministry, "Shortly after both patrols had passed one another, an explosive device detonated behind our patrol, wounding four Cambodian personnel with shrapnel injuries." The ministry added that the injured soldiers are receiving medical treatment.

Winthai reaffirmed that Thailand remains committed to existing bilateral agreements and the ceasefire arrangements. He stressed that the Thai military adheres strictly to international rules governing the use of force and that firearms would be be used only as a last resort, or in self-defence when personnel face an imminent threat.

Given those rules of engagement, Winthai said Cambodia's allegation that Thai troops attacked its soldiers was "highly improbable."

He urged Cambodia to refrain from issuing what he described as "misleading" statements, particularly those accusing Thailand without evidence, warning that such claims could damage the atmosphere for dialogue and undermine both countries' efforts to resolve border issues through peaceful means.

The Thai Army has previously said its preliminary investigation indicated that the Cambodian soldiers were more likely injured after stepping on an old landmine inside Cambodian territory than by a hand grenade, as alleged by Cambodian media.