Defence ministry rejects Thai border attack claims, protests ordnance  

PHNOM PENH, May 15, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s defence ministry has categorically denied Thai media reports alleging its troops fired M79 grenade launchers at Thai military positions near Veal Intri in Preah Vihear province.

In a statement issued late Thursday, ministry spokeswoman Lieutenant General Maly Socheata dismissed the accusations as baseless and lacking evidence.

She said the reports distorted facts, damaged the honour of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and risked escalating tensions along the frontier.

The ministry demanded immediate corrections from the outlets involved and confirmed that its Information Command Post had lodged a formal protest with Thailand’s Joint Information Center.

Officials further alleged that Thai authorities detonated three unexploded ordnance devices without prior notice during a mission by the ASEAN Observer Team, deployed under Philippine chairmanship to monitor the Preah Vihear temple site.

Cambodia said the unannounced detonations breached agreed procedures and prompted a protest from Military Region 4 liaison officers.

The ministry urged Thailand to halt misleading publications and respect bilateral agreements to preserve peace and stability along the border.