Cambodia Makes Bold Accusations of Thai M79 Grenade Firing During Military Delegation Site Visit; Thailand Says It Was Just Warning Shots
Cambodia accused Thailand of firing M79 grenades during a border inspection tour in Surin province, but Thai forces said they only discharged three warning shots after Cambodian soldiers approached their fence line.
Cambodia has accused Thailand of firing M79 grenades while leading a foreign military delegation on an observation tour of the border area. The Thai military responded calmly, explaining that only warning shots were fired after Cambodian forces approached Thailand's barbed wire fence.
On April 29, Cambodia's Ministry of Defense led a foreign military delegation (MACPP), Cambodian and international media on an inspection tour at the Oa Samet checkpoint in Udon Mueang district, opposite the permanent Chong Jom border crossing in Surin province, Thailand, following a ceasefire agreement.
Major General Mali Sajeata, spokesperson for Cambodia's Ministry of Defense, claimed that during the observation and on-site inspection, Thai forces fired 5 times between 10:35-11:09 AM, using M79 and M16 rifles, totaling 9 rounds.
Brigadier General Winthai Suvarī, Thai Army spokesperson, explained that around 10:00 AM, Cambodia planned to bring the delegation to inspect areas near Thai military positions. Thai forces were aware and monitoring the situation closely.
When Cambodian soldiers deliberately approached Thailand's barbed wire fence despite prior warnings and agreements, Thai forces fired 3 warning shots as a standard procedure to signal them to withdraw. The Cambodian forces subsequently moved back.
The Thai military stated such incidents should not occur, as they demonstrate disrespect for international agreements and appear to be an attempt to portray Thailand as using excessive force.
