Conflict between Thailand and Cambodia intensified at a contested border as troops from both sides exchanged gunfire, leading to injuries and heightened tensions amid accusations of territorial violations by both nations.
Border Clash Escalates Tensions Between Thailand and Cambodia
Border Clash Escalates Tensions Between Thailand and Cambodia
Thai and Cambodian troops engage in conflict at disputed border area, resulting in injuries and accusations of aggression.
In the early hours of Thursday, troops from Thailand and Cambodia clashed in a disputed border region, escalating ongoing tensions between the two countries. The Thai military reported that Cambodian soldiers fired first near the Ta Muen Thom temple, a site that has been the focal point of rising tensions in recent weeks. In response, Cambodia's defense ministry asserted that their forces were only acting in self-defense after being targeted by Thai gunfire.
Both nations have acknowledged the presence of military reinforcements along the border, with Cambodia deploying armed troops following the engagement of a surveillance drone in the contested area. Reports indicate that two Thai soldiers were injured during the clashes.
Maly Socheata, a spokesperson for Cambodia's defense ministry, emphasized their obligation to safeguard national sovereignty, characterizing Thailand's actions as aggressive. Meanwhile, former Cambodian leader Hun Sen indicated on social media that areas in two Cambodian provinces were impacted by Thai artillery, urging calm among the local population.
Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated Cambodia's commitment to resolving disputes peacefully but indicated the necessity of armed response in light of the current aggression. In Thailand, acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed concerns over the delicate nature of bilateral relations, advocating a careful resolution per international law.
This clash comes on the heels of strained diplomatic ties, following Thailand's decision to recall its ambassador from Cambodia and news that it would send back Cambodia's ambassador amidst heightened security measures along the border. The two nations are now grappling with their most severe diplomatic crisis in over a decade following previous armed skirmishes that resulted in casualties.
Both nations have acknowledged the presence of military reinforcements along the border, with Cambodia deploying armed troops following the engagement of a surveillance drone in the contested area. Reports indicate that two Thai soldiers were injured during the clashes.
Maly Socheata, a spokesperson for Cambodia's defense ministry, emphasized their obligation to safeguard national sovereignty, characterizing Thailand's actions as aggressive. Meanwhile, former Cambodian leader Hun Sen indicated on social media that areas in two Cambodian provinces were impacted by Thai artillery, urging calm among the local population.
Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated Cambodia's commitment to resolving disputes peacefully but indicated the necessity of armed response in light of the current aggression. In Thailand, acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed concerns over the delicate nature of bilateral relations, advocating a careful resolution per international law.
This clash comes on the heels of strained diplomatic ties, following Thailand's decision to recall its ambassador from Cambodia and news that it would send back Cambodia's ambassador amidst heightened security measures along the border. The two nations are now grappling with their most severe diplomatic crisis in over a decade following previous armed skirmishes that resulted in casualties.
