Thai - Cambodia Conflict Thai Army Denies Responsibility for Artillery Shells That Landed in Laos

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

The Royal Thai Army has firmly denied that artillery shells which landed on Laotian territory amid recent cross-border fighting were fired by Thai forces, instead attributing the incident to the Cambodian military.

 

The statement comes after reports that at least ten artillery shells fell into Champasak Province, in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), damaging civilian property, including one home. The incident coincided with renewed hostilities along the Thai-Cambodian border, particularly near disputed areas and in Trat province.

 

In an official statement, the 2nd Army Region Command, which oversees Thailand’s northeastern frontier, said investigations confirmed the shells were launched by Cambodian forces, not the Thai military. The Thai side expressed deep regret over the incident but insisted its operations had been conducted with precision and full compliance with international rules of engagement.

 

Army spokesman Major General Winthai Suvaree reiterated that Thai troops maintain strict fire control procedures, particularly in areas near international borders. “Our artillery operations are proportionate, restrained, and consistent with international norms. We are confident that the shells which landed in Laos were not fired by Thai personnel,” he said.

 

Maj. Gen. Winthai went on to accuse the Cambodian military of deliberately targeting non-military sites, including civilian areas and cultural heritage locations, in what he described as an attempt to manipulate international opinion and damage Thailand’s standing in the region.

 

“The recent incident involving shells falling into Lao territory appears to be a calculated provocation, possibly intended to sow misunderstanding between Thailand and Laos, or to shape international perceptions of Thailand’s conduct,” he said.

 

The spokesman condemned what he called unsoldierly behaviour, stating: “Such actions are inconsistent with the principles of honourable military conduct and risk damaging Cambodia’s credibility on the international stage.”

 

The Thai Army further confirmed that it has implemented stringent measures to prevent its operations from impacting civilians or neutral territories and it will continue to closely coordinate with Laotian authorities to maintain strong bilateral ties and avoid further misunderstandings.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-26

 

 

 

[Will B Good]

4 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

“Our artillery operations are proportionate, restrained, and consistent with international norms

 

They certainly seem to be getting their act together regarding PR.

[BeastOfBodmin]

Do we know where in Laos the munitions hit and their apparent incoming trajectory?

 

On the face of it, this sounds like Ukraine blaming their own misfires landing in Poland on Russia, as suppsedly happened in the early part of the current Russo-Ukraine war (sorry - SMO).

[NanLaew]

If the international border is disputed, how can any army guarantee that their munitions are falling in the right place?

 

I'm trying to find a Thai copy of these "international rules of engagement" but not having much luck. Maybe a paid AI subscription will help?

[BeastOfBodmin]

I found this: https://news.futunn.com/en/flash/19136061/the-lao-military-reports-that-10-artillery-shells-landed-in?level=1&data_ticket=1753505570901384 but I do not know how to find the source.

[KhunLA]

That would be like a 200+ kms errant round, in a complete wrong direction, (east vs south), from  Prasat Ta Muen Thom, to Laos border 

 

[Georgealbert]

3 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

That would be like a 200+ kms errant round, in a complete wrong direction, (east vs south), from  Prasat Ta Muen Thom, to Laos border 

 

Where in the post does it says it was fired from Prasat Ta Muen Thom?

 

 

[KhunLA]

4 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

Where in the post does it says it was fired from Prasat Ta Muen Thom?

 

 

Isn't that where most of the conflict is centered around.  Have to admit, I'm really not following this little skirmish.  But Laos is due east, and Cambo, due south 

 

Nobody's aim is that bad.  Should we put this up with Cambo fake news that they downed an F16.

 

I didn't read the OP, as too silly to even consider.

[Georgealbert]

2 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Isn't that where most of the conflict is centered around.  Have to admit, I'm really not following this little skirmish.  But Laos is due east, and Cambo, due south 

 

Nobody's aim is that bad.  Should we put this up with Cambo fake news that they downed an F16.

Maybe read the post and all the other topics about the conflict, rather than just making another attempt to attack a news article.

[KhunLA]

26 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

Maybe read the post and all the other topics about the conflict, rather than just making another attempt to attack a news article.

Not attacking the news, and after reading it, my reply actually reinforces what the General is saying.

 

Even if from Wat Preah Vihear  area, that's still 60 kms away, and due east vs south.

 

I can read a map, thank you.

 

Don't think they are using anything with that range.  107mm tank round is only good for 11k meters, at best.  Mortar rounds half that distance.

 

Doubt if using 155 mm HE ERFB RA/BB VLAP, as that would be overkill, and still less the 60 kms range.

 

[proton]

Lying and not taking responsibility is part of Thai culture

[KhunLA]

28 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

Maybe read the post and all the other topics about the conflict, rather than just making another attempt to attack a news article.

 Not attacking the news, and after reading it, my reply actually reinforces what the General is saying.

[sammieuk1]

Sensing a good kicking the Cambo's look to involve others probably suggested by Lavrov' in a phone call from the Kremlin is my guess🤔

[Will B Good]

16 minutes ago, proton said:

Lying and not taking responsibility is part of Thai culture

 

 

Oh the irony....too much....a bit nearly popped out.

[Will B Good]

2 minutes ago, sammieuk1 said:

Sensing a good kicking the Cambo's look to involve others probably suggested by Lavrov' in a phone call from the Kremlin is my guess🤔

 

China more likely.....there's footage of Chinese moving around near 'the front' on FB that is getting the Thais all wound up.....but I strongly suspect its fake.....FOR NOW!