The Royal Thai Army has confirmed that Cambodian forces fired a 40mm mortar round near a Thai patrol at Plarn Hin Paet Kon in Si Sa Ket province on 24 February 2026. The incident occurred at 08.50am while Thai troops were conducting a routine patrol in the area under the responsibility of the Suranaree Task Force, according to Army spokesperson Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree. No Thai personnel were injured.

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The Army said the Cambodian side fired one 40mm mortar round which landed close to the Thai patrol’s position. In response, Thai troops fired an M79 grenade launcher towards the direction of the incoming fire, in accordance with rules of engagement. The return fire was described as a warning and an act of self-defence to protect personnel and the area of responsibility.

Following the brief exchange, the situation stabilised and there was no further retaliation. Thai units in the area have been instructed to increase vigilance and continue closely monitoring developments. Additional precautionary measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of both military personnel and civilians.

Maj Gen Winthai stated that the Cambodian action was inconsistent with the ceasefire agreement set out in a Joint Statement signed by both sides on 27 December 2025. The Army reiterated its adherence to agreed mechanisms and emphasised that Thai forces acted strictly within established rules.

An initial assessment suggests the incident may have resulted from a rotation of Cambodian troops in the area. According to the spokesperson, newly deployed personnel may lack familiarity with regulations and command and control procedures, leading to operational shortcomings on the ground.

The confrontation took place in the vicinity of Plarn Hin Paet Kon, a sensitive stretch of the Thai-Cambodian border that falls under the oversight of the 2nd Army Region. While tensions have flared sporadically in border areas in the past, officials described this episode as limited in scope.

Authorities have not reported any casualties or damage. The Army has not announced further operational changes beyond heightened alert levels. The situation remains under close observation.

Khoasod reported that the Army is expected to continue coordination through existing bilateral frameworks and maintain strict operational discipline in the area. Further updates may be issued should new information emerge.

Key Takeaways

• Cambodian forces fired one 40mm mortar round near a Thai patrol at 08.50am on 24 February 2026.

• Thai troops responded with an M79 under rules of engagement, with no injuries reported.

• The Army believes newly rotated Cambodian troops may have caused the incident through operational inexperience.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 24 Feb 2026

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1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

An initial assessment suggests the incident may have resulted from a rotation of Cambodian troops in the area. According to the spokesperson, newly deployed personnel may lack familiarity with regulations and command and control procedures, leading to operational shortcomings on the ground.

I doubt Phnom Penh has full operational control over its armed forces, especially in far-flung areas of the kingdom.

That's far from being an excuse... actually, I think it provides even more incentive for Thailand to do whatever it takes to defend itself against an unstable neighbor.

Maybe the Thai army provoked Cambodia, as yesterday they complained about forest fires...It is easy to let things escalate for the purpose of the so called national security.

Let us all hope that the war does not resume- with more loss of life and destruction

A 40mm mortar bomb fired near a Thai Patrol. Such a weapon is only any use if you can see the target from the baseplate position, maximum range about 2000 metres. Similarly a 40mm grenade ( very short range, only about 350 metres) is only any use if the firer can see the mortar position and if it is within range. Otherwise it is just kids throwing fireworks!

Bring on the F16s. This is crazy. Why can't Cambodia stop causing trouble?

The report implies that the mortar round landed on the Thai side of the border but, did it?

On 2/24/2026 at 4:35 PM, tai4de2 said:

I doubt Phnom Penh has full operational control over its armed forces, especially in far-flung areas of the kingdom.

That's far from being an excuse... actually, I think it provides even more incentive for Thailand to do whatever it takes to defend itself against an unstable neighbor.

Do you realise we haven't actually seen any proof of this mortar, and don't you think it strange how they say it was a 40mm mortar how did they measure it.