Army: Cambodian 40mm round hits Thai soil, troops return fire with M79

2026-02-24 - 09:03

BANGKOK — The Royal Thai Army said Cambodian forces fired a 40mm mortar round into Thai territory during a routine patrol in Si Sa Ket province on Monday morning, prompting a response in accordance with rules of engagement. No injuries were reported. Army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree said on 24 Febuary that the 2nd Army Area reported the incident occurred at 8:50 near Phlan Hin Paet Kon in Si Sa Ket, under the responsibility of the Suranaree Task Force. Thai troops were conducting a normal patrol when Cambodian forces fired one 40mm mortar round that landed near the Thai patrol point. The explosion caused no casualties among Thai personnel. Following the incident, Thai forces returned fire with an M79 grenade launcher toward the origin of the shot, in line with established rules of engagement. The army described the action as a warning and an act of self-defense to protect personnel and secure the assigned area. Winthai said the Cambodian action violated the ceasefire agreement outlined in a Joint Statement signed by both sides on 27 December 2025. A preliminary assessment suggested the incident may have stemmed from a troop rotation on the Cambodian side, involving newly deployed personnel who may lack familiarity with operational procedures and command oversight in the area. The army said units on the ground have tightened security measures, increased monitoring of the situation and exercised heightened caution in ongoing operations, stressing that the safety of troops and civilians remains the top priority.