
Thai Army Rejects Cambodia’s Claim - Denies Grenade Attack, Says Cambodian Troops Likely Stepped on Own Landmine
Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Winthai Suwaree rejected Cambodia’s claim that seven Thai soldiers crossed into Phanom Dong Rak, Surin, at 12:35 p.m. and threw a grenade at Cambodian troops, injuring three. He said the allegation is false and a complete distortion. A rapid check with Thai units confirmed the blast occurred on the Cambodian side, not from Thai action.
At the time, Thai forces were patrolling to secure road construction on Thai territory. Around noon, they heard an explosion from the Cambodian side, followed by confusion as Cambodian troops tried to help their wounded. The Thai Army stressed it did not use weapons or grenades. The incident is believed to have been caused by new Cambodian troops, inexperienced with the hazardous terrain, accidentally stepping on one of their own leftover landmines.
Winthai emphasized that the Thai Army strictly abides by agreements and international law, urging the public and international community not to believe baseless claims. He called on Cambodia to stop spreading false reports that damage bilateral relations and border peace.
The 2nd Army Region released photos showing Cambodian soldiers injured by their own mine. Cambodian social media alleged Thai troops had thrown a grenade, but Thai authorities found no evidence of Thai involvement. At 12:45 p.m., Thai soldiers heard an explosion from inside Cambodian-controlled territory, beyond the Thai fence line. No Thai personnel were injured, and no Thai equipment was damaged.
Medical review of the Cambodian soldiers’ wounds showed injuries concentrated on feet and legs-consistent with stepping on a landmine. Grenade blasts, by contrast, typically scatter shrapnel across the body and cause more widespread trauma.
The 2nd Army Region reaffirmed that the explosion occurred on Cambodian soil, with no Thai operations in the area. It stressed Thailand’s commitment to patience, restraint, and respect for border agreements to preserve peace and good relations. The Army also expressed readiness to cooperate in fact-finding through existing mechanisms if further evidence emerges.