Thailand Denies Involvement In Border Blast, Challenges Cambodia
Thailand denied involvement in a border blast near Surin province, saying an internal military investigation found no weapons were used and the explosion likely occurred on the Cambodian side. The Thai military called for fact-based investi
On July 6, 2025, Air Vice Marshal Praphas Saonjai, director of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Information Center (JIC), responded to Cambodia's claims that Thai soldiers were involved in a bombing near Chong Kraeng in Surin province, firmly denying the allegations and stating they contradict facts on the ground.
According to Praphas, an urgent investigation by Thai military units responsible for the area confirmed that no weapons were fired or hand grenades thrown from the Thai side toward Cambodian positions. During the incident, seven Thai soldiers were conducting routine patrol operations to protect road construction in Thai-controlled territory when they encountered Cambodian forces observing the area. They then heard explosions from the Cambodian side and observed rescue efforts, with no weapons used by Thai troops.
Thai military preliminarily assessed that the blast occurred within Cambodian territory and may have involved unexploded ordnance in the area or unfamiliarity of new troops with the terrain and high-risk zones. Thailand emphasized that event analysis must be based on verifiable evidence to avoid unsubstantiated accusations.
"Thai forces confirm internal investigation results showing no weapons use or hand grenades were thrown during that period. Personnel operated under strict rules of engagement and measures to prevent confrontation," Praphas stated.
The JIC director added that the published accusations do not match ground information and could create misunderstandings among the public and international community, affecting border stability. Thailand expressed readiness to support fact-checking through mechanisms agreed by both sides, based on transparency and verifiable evidence.
Praphas further stated that unsubstantiated accusations cannot be used to conclude that Thailand violated the GBC Joint Statement, reaffirming Thailand's strict adherence to the ceasefire agreement, rules of engagement, and international law.
"Thailand calls on Cambodia to use coordination and joint verification mechanisms instead of releasing accusations through public media, which could damage relations and border stability efforts. Thailand is confident that problems should be resolved through bilateral channels based on facts and cooperation to maintain peace and security for both peoples," Praphas concluded.
