The Thai Army has warned Cambodia to comply strictly with the ceasefire agreement, after a mortar round struck Nam Yuen district of Ubon Ratchathani province this morning.
If such incidents reoccur, Thai forces may be compelled to respond in self-defence, in accordance with rules on the proportional use of force, Army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree said today.
He said that, at 7.40am, the Suranaree Task Force, under the 2nd Army Region, reported that ordnance was fired from the Cambodian side into Thai territory near Hill 469 in Nam Yuen district.
Winthai said examination confirmed that the round was fired from the Cambodian side, resulting in one Thai soldier sustaining minor injuries from flying shrapnel.
The Thai unit in the area contacted their Cambodian counterparts, who claimed there was no intention to fire into Thai territory. Cambodia attributed the incident to an operational error by Cambodian personnel, Winthai said.
“Cambodia was warned to exercise greater caution and it was stressed that, if similar mistakes reoccur, Thailand may be required to carry out retaliatory action in self-defence, in line with appropriate and proportional rules of engagement,” the spokesman said.
The army spokesperson added that the Thai Army remains on full alert and has contingency plans in place for all possible scenarios to protect national sovereignty and ensure the safety of Thai people.
