Border Residents Worried About Third Potential Conflict as Cambodian Mortar Round Lands Near Thai Military Base

Border residents in Si Sa Ket are closely watching and fearing a third potential conflict after a 40mm mortar round landed near a Thai military base. They do not believe Cambodia's explanation of undisciplined new troops and suggest Thailand should respond to show their national pride. On February 5, 2024, a 40mm mortar round was reported to have landed in the Plahan Paet Kon area near a Thai military base. Trisuli Trisornakul, the Prime Minister's Secretary, posted on her personal Facebook that there was no actual confrontation, but rather a fire that triggered a pre-positioned explosive. The 2nd Army Region reported Cambodian soldiers firing an undisciplined mortar round near the Thai base. They are preparing to follow engagement protocols and have coordinated with Cambodian commanders to discipline their troops. Local villagers in Sao Thong Chai subdistrict, Kantharalak district, Si Sa Ket province have not been evacuated and are continuing their normal lives while closely monitoring the situation. One local resident, Sakchai, expressed strong dissatisfaction with Cambodia's actions, suggesting that Thailand should respond to demonstrate their love for their country, but without escalating to life-threatening confrontations. He believes Cambodia may be intentionally trying to demoralize Thai border troops.