Thailand Protests to Cambodia After Mortar Incident, Vows Proportional Response
BANGKOK – Thailand has formally protested to Cambodia following an incident this morning in which a Cambodian mortar round landed on Thai territory, injuring a Thai soldier. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the diplomatic démarche after chairing the weekly Cabinet meeting, stating that Thailand is seeking clarification from Cambodia and is prepared to respond if necessary.
“We are now seeking clarification on the incident from Cambodia, to assess how Thailand should respond,” Anutin said. He confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent a formal letter to its Cambodian counterpart requesting an explanation and questioning whether the incident constitutes a violation of the existing ceasefire agreement between the two nations.
“Thailand is fully prepared on all fronts, diplomatic and security, to respond if necessary. If it reaches a point where Thailand deems it necessary to respond, it will do so,” the Prime Minister added.
According to reports from border units, Cambodian authorities have characterized the event as an accident. Anutin questioned how Cambodia would assume responsibility for such an “accident.” He noted that the Interior Ministry has been instructed to monitor the situation and assist local residents, though evacuations are not currently deemed necessary.
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow emphasized Thailand’s demand for accountability. “We are demanding that Cambodia take responsibility, particularly by issuing an apology for what occurred,” he told reporters. He underscored that Thailand’s response would be proportional and calibrated based on Cambodia’s explanation and subsequent actions.
Under the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee (GBC) agreement signed in December of last year, Cambodia is obligated to provide explanations for such border incidents. Minister Sihasak stated that even if the mortar firing was unintentional, Cambodia must clarify how it happened, take measures to prevent a recurrence, and formally apologize.
“If Cambodia can show that the incident was not intentional and can ensure it will not happen again, Thailand’s response would remain at the level of a diplomatic protest,” Sihasak said. However, he warned that if the act was found to be deliberate, the situation would be treated differently, with responses proportionate to the severity of the violation.
The incident has raised tensions along the border, though both sides have so far communicated through official channels. Thailand has reiterated its commitment to peaceful resolution while affirming its readiness to defend its sovereignty and security.
-Thailand News (TN)
