Bangkok, January 6 (AseanAll) — Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the government has received reports that a mortar round fired from the Cambodian side landed near Hill 469 in the Chong Bok area of Nam Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani province, Thailand on January 6, 2026.
The premier said relevant agencies have followed procedures under the existing memorandum of understanding, with the Royal Thai Army and national security agencies submitting formal protests to their Cambodian counterparts to seek clarification and determine appropriate action.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand has formally notified Cambodia’s foreign minister in writing that the incident violates the ceasefire agreement and has requested an official response.
Anutin said any decision on retaliation or the application of rules of engagement requires careful consideration, as the incident occurred recently and preliminary reports from field commanders suggest it may have been accidental. He added that Thailand remains fully prepared to respond if required, pending clarification from the Cambodian side.
Anutin added that provincial governors have also been instructed to ensure public safety, noting that there is no need for evacuation at this time. The situation is being closely monitored and will be taken into account during ongoing Cabinet discussions.
According to the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, one Thai soldier was injured by Cambodian forces firing into Thai sovereign territory in the Chong Bok area, Ubon Ratchathani province on January 6, 2026.
Thailand condemns this incident, which reflects Cambodia’s negligence in adhering to the Joint Statement signed by both sides at the Special General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting on 27 December 2025, in Chanthaburi province. Thailand exercised utmost restraint and did not retaliate, opting instead to contact the Cambodian side to immediately verify the facts. The Cambodian side has claimed it was an accident. In any event, Thailand strongly urges Cambodia to strictly respect and abide by the Joint Statement to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Thailand will formally lodge a protest to Cambodia. The Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs has already contacted the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cambodia to demand that Cambodia take responsibility and issue an apology for said incident.
This incident reflects Cambodia’s lack of readiness to uphold and abide by the Joint Statement. Although we have passed the 72-hour ceasefire, the situation remains fragile. Therefore, sincerity and adherence to the Joint Statement are fundamental in order to build trust between the two sides before proceeding to further discussions within the relevant bilateral mechanisms, including within the Joint Boundary Commission.
