Thailand’s army said on Tuesday that Cambodia has explained a recent mortar strike near the disputed border was accidental. The incident injured one Thai soldier. However, a ceasefire signed in late December is still holding.

Earlier, Thai forces accused Cambodian troops of breaking the truce. They said shells landed in a Thai border province just days after both sides agreed to stop fighting.

Later, the Thai military issued a fresh statement. It said Cambodian officials contacted them to clarify the situation. According to the Thai army, Cambodia stated that “there was no intention to fire into Thai territory,” and that “the incident was caused by an operational error by Cambodian personnel.”

Thai Soldier Injured in Border Area

Thai officials said Cambodian forces fired mortar rounds into Ubon Ratchathani province. As a result, one Thai soldier suffered shrapnel wounds. Authorities evacuated him for medical treatment.

In response, Thai units issued a formal warning to Cambodian forces. The statement said, “The Thai military unit in the area issued a warning to Cambodia to exercise caution and emphasised that if such errors occur again, Thailand may be compelled to carry out defensive countermeasures.”

History of Border Disputes

Thailand and Cambodia have argued over their border for decades. The dispute dates back to colonial-era boundary lines and claims over ancient temples. These tensions have repeatedly turned violent.

Last year, clashes along the border killed dozens of people. They also forced nearly one million residents on both sides to flee their homes.

Ceasefire Brings Temporary Calm

A ceasefire signed on December 27 ended three weeks of intense fighting. Under the agreement, both countries promised to stop attacks, freeze troop movements, and work together on clearing landmines.

As part of confidence-building steps, Thailand released 18 Cambodian soldiers detained since July. Bangkok described the move as “a demonstration of goodwill and confidence-building.” Cambodia welcomed the decision and said it hoped it would “significantly contribute to building mutual trust.”

Past Truces Failed to Last

Earlier ceasefires, supported by the United States, China, and Malaysia, collapsed quickly. In October, US President Donald Trump attended a follow-up declaration in Malaysia that promoted peace and new trade deals.

However, the agreement fell apart the next month. Thailand suspended it after several of its soldiers were injured by landmines.

Talks Face Fresh Obstacles

Despite the current ceasefire, tensions remain high. On Saturday, Cambodia urged Thailand to pull back troops from disputed zones. Thailand rejected the demand and said the land has always been Thai territory.

Cambodia has proposed a meeting of the bilateral border committee in Siem Reap later this month. However, Thailand said talks may need to wait until after its February 8 elections.

Meanwhile, Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence has not commented on the latest alleged mortar strike. Both countries continue to struggle to find a lasting solution to their 800-kilometre-long disputed border.