Confrontations erupted on Thursday at a disputed border area, primarily around the Ta Muen Thom temple, marking a significant strain in bilateral relations, exacerbated by a history of territorial disputes.
Border Tensions Escalate: Thai and Cambodian Troops Engage in Clashes
Border Tensions Escalate: Thai and Cambodian Troops Engage in Clashes
Recent border skirmishes between Thailand and Cambodia have heightened tensions in the region as both nations exchange accusations regarding the source of aggression.
Thai and Cambodian troops engaged in a confrontation early Thursday morning at a contested border region, with both countries blaming each other for the initial hostilities. The Thai military reported that Cambodian soldiers commenced firing near the ancient Khmer temple Ta Muen Thom, where tensions have been escalating recently. In contrast, Cambodia's defense ministry stated that its forces acted in self-defense after allegedly being provoked by Thai gunfire.
Prior to the clash, Cambodia was reported to have deployed a surveillance drone, followed by a substantial military presence in the area, according to Thai military sources, which also noted that two Thai soldiers sustained injuries during the incident. Cambodian defense spokesperson Maly Socheata defended her country's actions, asserting their right to protect national sovereignty against perceived Thai aggression, accusing Thailand of territorial violations.
In a Facebook statement, former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen highlighted that certain provinces in Cambodia had been shelled by Thai forces, while urging citizens to remain calm. Current Prime Minister Hun Manet echoed this sentiment, emphasizing a commitment to peaceful resolutions, yet acknowledged the necessity for armed response to protect against aggression.
Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai called for a careful approach to the delicate dispute, urging resolution in accordance with international law. The recent conflict follows the recall of Thailand’s ambassador to Cambodia due to a landmine incident that injured a Thai soldier. Additionally, Thailand has announced plans to expel Cambodia’s ambassador, reflecting the lowest point in relations between the two nations in over a decade. The last serious armed conflict in May resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier, and tensions have only escalated since, with both countries strengthening military presences and imposing reciprocal restrictions along the border.
Prior to the clash, Cambodia was reported to have deployed a surveillance drone, followed by a substantial military presence in the area, according to Thai military sources, which also noted that two Thai soldiers sustained injuries during the incident. Cambodian defense spokesperson Maly Socheata defended her country's actions, asserting their right to protect national sovereignty against perceived Thai aggression, accusing Thailand of territorial violations.
In a Facebook statement, former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen highlighted that certain provinces in Cambodia had been shelled by Thai forces, while urging citizens to remain calm. Current Prime Minister Hun Manet echoed this sentiment, emphasizing a commitment to peaceful resolutions, yet acknowledged the necessity for armed response to protect against aggression.
Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai called for a careful approach to the delicate dispute, urging resolution in accordance with international law. The recent conflict follows the recall of Thailand’s ambassador to Cambodia due to a landmine incident that injured a Thai soldier. Additionally, Thailand has announced plans to expel Cambodia’s ambassador, reflecting the lowest point in relations between the two nations in over a decade. The last serious armed conflict in May resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier, and tensions have only escalated since, with both countries strengthening military presences and imposing reciprocal restrictions along the border.
