Thailand’s army reported that a mortar attack near the Thai-Cambodian border wounded a Thai soldier. The incident happened in a disputed area while a truce agreed in late December was still in effect. Thai forces said Cambodian troops fired into Ubon Ratchathani province, and the soldier was treated and evacuated. Cambodia later explained that the firing was an accidental operational error, not an intentional attack. Thailand warned Cambodia to be careful and said it might respond if similar incidents happen again. The two countries have a long-standing border dispute over an 800-kilometer border, including centuries-old temple sites. Last year, fighting killed dozens of people and displaced about one million civilians. The December truce included a stop to fighting, frozen troop movements, and cooperation on demining. Thailand also released 18 Cambodian soldiers as a goodwill gesture. Both countries continue to discuss border demarcation, with Cambodia proposing a meeting in Siem Reap. Tensions remain high despite the ceasefire, as the border issue is unresolved.

Pray for peaceful and friendly relations between Thailand and Cambodia. Pray for wise counsel and unity among the authorities of both countries to find a peaceful solution to resolve the border dispute (The Holy Bible, Psalm 46:9).

Pray for divine protection and peace for the people living in the border areas of Thailand and Cambodia. Pray for the authorities of both countries to abide by the December truce to end further clashes (The Holy Bible, Proverbs 24:6).

News Source: Aljazeera

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