Thai troops ‘fired weapons’ during military attachés’ border visit
Cambodia reports five instances of gunfire from Thai military forces during a foreign military attachés’ visit to the O’Smach border checkpoint in Oddar Meanchey province, yesterday. Ministry of Defence
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Synopsis: National Defence Ministry alleges Thailand violated ceasefire by discharging rifles, grenade launchers during on-site inspection.
Thai military forces opened fire five times during an official observational visit yesterday by foreign military attachés to the O’Smach border checkpoint in Oddar Meanchey province, the National Defence Ministry said.
In a statement yesterday, ministry spokeswoman Lieutenant General Maly Socheata said the visit took place at 10.20am as part of the second 2026 field mission of the Military Attaché Corps Phnom Penh (MACPP), a group of foreign military representatives stationed in Cambodia. The ministry stated that the purpose of the visit was to observe the border situation at O’Smach amid a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand.
Cambodia’s Regional Border Committee (RBC) Secretariat had formally informed its Thai counterpart of the visit, the statement said. However, during the on-site inspection, Thai forces fired weapons five times between 10.35am and 11.09am. It was reported that a total of nine rounds were discharged from M79 grenade launchers and M16 rifles.
Cambodia described the incident as “deeply regrettable” and stated that it contradicted the spirit of the ceasefire and agreements reached by both sides to reduce tensions and preserve peace, security, and calm along the border. The ministry added that Cambodian forces remained on alert and were closely monitoring the situation.
Cambodia says that it remains committed to resolving disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law, the ASEAN Charter, and existing bilateral treaties and agreements.
Lt Gen Socheata said Cambodia has made a commitment to fully implement the joint declaration of the third special meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee, dated December 27, 2025, as well as the joint statement on the Cambodia-Thailand peace agreement signed on October 26, 2025.
“As a law-abiding and highly responsible state, Cambodia remains committed to resolving disputes through peaceful means,” she said. “Achieving lasting peace between our two countries, which contributes to peace, stability, and unity within ASEAN, requires genuine commitment and full respect for international law and the ASEAN Charter, as well as all existing treaties and agreements that bind us.”
There was no response from the Thai army as of press time yesterday.
-Khmer Times-
