Cambodian Defence Ministry Denies M79 Firing Allegations

Her Excellency General Maly Socheata, Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence of the Kingdom of Cambodia

PHNOM PENH, May 14, 2026 — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence has rejected reports by several Thai media outlets alleging that Cambodian forces fired M79 grenade launchers toward Thai military positions near the border area opposite Veal Intri in Preah Vihear province.

In a statement issued on Thursday, ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata described the allegations as “completely and categorically” false and said they lacked any supporting evidence.

The ministry said the accusations were baseless and amounted to misinformation intended to create confusion and increase tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

According to the statement, Cambodian authorities viewed the reports as “a serious distortion of facts” designed to mislead public opinion.

The ministry also said such reporting unfairly damaged the reputation and credibility of Cambodia’s armed forces.

The latest denial follows a series of recent Cambodian statements rejecting Thai media allegations regarding military incidents along frontier areas amid heightened sensitivity surrounding border security issues.

Cambodia has repeatedly said it remains committed to maintaining peace and stability along the border and implementing agreements reached between Cambodia and Thailand.

No independent confirmation regarding the alleged incident near Veal Intri has been released.