"Second Army Region" has clarified the facts regarding the explosion incident at the Thai-Cambodian border area and reaffirmed Thailand's continued commitment to abide by the agreements and cooperation mechanisms between the two countries.
On 7 July 2026, the Facebook pageof the Second Army Regionposted a message "Clarifying the explosion incident at the Thai-Cambodian border area." It stated that the Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson publicly announced about the explosion in Banteay Ampil District, Oddar Meanchey Province, which injured four Cambodian soldiers on 5 July 2026. The spokesperson avoided providing factual details about the cause of the explosion, speculating it involved Cambodian military explosives in their own area, and attempted to link Thai soldiers operating on the Thai side of the fence.
The Second Army Region thoroughly investigated the explosion incident on 5 July 2026 at the Thai-Cambodian border. Military units and eyewitnesses reported that before the incident, Thai soldiers securing the path construction team coordinated and notified Cambodian forces near the wire fence that work would be carried out solely within Thai territory, with no operations conducted on Cambodian soil.
The dialogue between the two sides proceeded peacefully without any argument, harassment, or confrontation that could lead to violence. After the talks, both sides returned to their respective areas. Shortly after Thai soldiers began returning to the path construction site, an explosion occurred within Cambodian-controlled territory, beyond the Thai wire fence. The Thai side did not use force or conduct any military operations at the explosion site.
Eyewitness testimony, including from the security team leader, consistently reported that after the meeting and dispersal, while the leader was about 50 meters from the wire fence inside the Thai deployment area, an explosion was heard from the Cambodian side along with Cambodian soldiers calling for help. At that time, the cause of the explosion was unknown.
The Second Army Region reviewed preliminary publicly available evidence, noting that photos of three injured Cambodian soldiers showed wounds mainly on feet, shins, and legs. The most severely injured had wounds on the left sole and shin.
Two other injured soldiers had minor wounds below the knee on the shin. Comparing the injury patterns to different types of explosive devices suggests these injuries are consistent with a blast originating from the ground rather than a thrown grenade, which typically causes shrapnel injuries to multiple body parts including torso, arms, and face, usually resulting in more widespread damage than seen in the photos.
However, this assessment is preliminary and cannot serve as conclusive forensic evidence. Further examination by relevant agencies is still required.
Additionally, information gathered from local units indicates the explosion site was within Cambodian territory. Several questions remain to be investigated, including the operation of explosive devices in the area or accidental detonation by Cambodian forces.
The Second Army Region therefore affirms Thailand's continued adherence to agreements and cooperative mechanisms with Cambodia. It is committed to cooperating in fact-finding through bilateral mechanisms with transparency, neutrality, and verifiable evidence. It urges all parties to refrain from speculation or accusations before investigations conclude, to ensure public communication is based on facts, which supports good relations, peace along the border, and international community confidence.
Thank you to the Facebook page of the Second Army Region.