Thailand Disputes Cambodia's Blast Injury Claims At Border

Defense Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's deputy General Adul Bunyatharmcharoen disputes Cambodia's allegation that Thai soldiers threw explosives causing Cambodian troop injuries, suggesting they may have stepped on existing mines instead. Speaking at Royal Thai Air Force headquarters on July 6, General Adul said the exact cause of the incident cannot be confirmed, but there is a possibility Cambodian troops stepped on mines already present in the area. He emphasized Thailand maintains strict control measures, clear rules of engagement, close command oversight, and forces ready to defend national sovereignty, all operating under the ceasefire agreement from December 27, 2024.

Regarding diplomatic resolution, General Adul noted that Thailand and Cambodia are inseparable, but the current situation stems from Cambodia linking border issues to internal politics. Thailand's priority is building public confidence in the government's ability to protect sovereignty and ensure border residents' safety through coordinated national efforts.

On the sediment-trapping dam near Ban Hat Lek in Trat province, built by Cambodian private interests, General Adul acknowledged it is located in Cambodian territory and has created a port for tourist boats. However, the dam causes problems as sediment accumulation leads to seawater erosion of Thailand's Ban Hat Lek coastline. He said the two countries must discuss solutions, noting the issue has persisted since 1998 and he has already inspected the site.

When asked if UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982) mechanisms should be used, General Adul agreed, noting the dam is outside Thai territory and just 300 meters from the maritime boundary marker 71. He acknowledged concerns about threats to Thailand's maritime sovereignty and emphasized discussions are needed once conditions improve. Regarding Cambodia's leader Hun Sen ordering the dam not be dismantled, General Adul said he had no comment.