A senior Thai defence official has warned that Thai soldiers will open fire and kill Cambodian troops if they are caught planting explosives on Thai territory.

According to the Thai newspaper The Nation, deputy defence minister General Nattapon Narkphanit said on Wednesday that Thai forces would not hesitate to shoot Cambodian soldiers who attempt to secretly place explosive devices inside Thailand.

Nattapon cited reports from the Royal Thai Army claiming that improvised explosive devices made from mortar shells were discovered near the Ta Krabey temple on August 31.

He assured the Thai public that the country’s current political uncertainty would not weaken security along the border with Cambodia.

The warning comes less than a month after Cambodia and Thailand agreed to a ceasefire at an extraordinary General Border Committee meeting held in Malaysia on August 7. The agreement outlined 13 conditions, including a halt to the use of all weapons, an end to attacks on civilians, civilian property, and military targets, and a commitment to avoid any form of armed provocation.

On Tuesday, Cambodian defence ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata told reporters that Cambodian forces remain firmly committed to the ceasefire agreement and its 13 conditions.

She stressed that as a country that values peace and accepts its responsibilities, Cambodia is choosing dialogue and cooperation rather than confrontation and conflict.

The Cambodia Daily reported it had not yet been able to reach government spokesman Pen Bona for comment by the time of broadcast.The Cambodia Daily reported it had not yet been able to reach government spokesman Pen Bona for comment by the time of broadcast.