Thai farmers drain a rice paddy after returning to work on their fields following conflict along the Thailand-Cambodia border. (December 30, 2025)
Cambodian military apologizes to Thailand for accidental fire in disputed border zone
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Ceasefire Breach: Thailand accused Cambodia of violating a 10-day-old ceasefire after mortar fire wounded a Thai soldier in the Chong Bok border region on Tuesday.
- Operational Error: Cambodian military officials quickly characterized the incident as an "accidental" discharge caused by an operational error, denying any intent to target Thai territory.
The Thai military said Tuesday that Cambodia has apologized for "accidentally" firing into its territory, following an incident that threatened a 10-day-old ceasefire between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.
The announcement followed a formal accusation by Bangkok earlier in the day that Cambodian forces had violated the truce with a mortar strike that wounded a Thai soldier in a contested border zone.
Accusations of Truce Violation
According to a Thai military statement, Cambodian troops launched mortar shells into the Chong Bok district. One Thai soldier was reportedly struck by shrapnel and had to be evacuated for emergency medical treatment.
"Cambodia violated the ceasefire," the Thai military initially stated, describing the shelling as a breach of the peace agreement established late last month.
Cambodia’s Response
Following the incident, Thai commanders established contact with their Cambodian counterparts to demand an explanation.
"A military unit in the area was contacted by the Cambodian side, which explained that there was no intention to fire on Thai territory and that the incident was caused by an operational error," the Thai military confirmed in a follow-up statement.
A Year of Escalating Conflict
The long-standing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia reached several military flashpoints throughout 2025. The conflict centers on contested territory and centuries-old temples along their 800-kilometer (500-mile) border, a legacy of colonial-era demarcation.
The most recent round of open hostilities, which lasted from Dec. 7 to Dec. 27, was particularly devastating.
The 20-day conflict resulted in more than 40 deaths and forced nearly one million people on both sides of the border to flee their homes.
The Dec. 27 Ceasefire
The current ceasefire was signed on Dec. 27, 2025, with both nations pledging to freeze their military positions and cooperate on demining operations in the border regions.
Tuesday's incident underscores the extreme fragility of the peace agreement as both militaries remain in close proximity.
