Troops from Thailand and Cambodia have clashed at a disputed portion of their border early on Thursday, with either side accusing one another of firing the primary shot.
The Thai navy stated Cambodian troopers opened fireplace close to the Khmer temple Ta Muen Thom, the place tensions have run excessive in latest weeks.
Cambodia’s defence ministry nevertheless stated its troopers had been responding in self-defence after Thai troops fired the primary photographs.
Cambodia had despatched a surveillance drone into the realm earlier than deploying closely armed troops, the Thai navy stated, including that a minimum of two Thai troopers had been injured.
A spokeswoman for the Cambodian defence ministry, Maly Socheata, stated their troops “exercised their proper to defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity towards the aggression of the Thai troops.
Socheata stated Thailand “violated the territorial integrity of Cambodia”.
Components of two Cambodian provinces had been shelled by the Thai navy, former chief Hun Sen stated on Fb, whereas additionally urging individuals to not panic.
“Cambodia has at all times maintained a place of desirous to resolve points peacefully, however on this case we now have no selection however to reply with armed pressure towards armed aggression,” Prime Minister Hun Manet stated on Fb.
Thailand’s appearing premier Phumtham Wechayachai stated that its dispute with Cambodia stays “delicate” and should be addressed with care, and consistent with worldwide regulation.
Thursday’s conflict comes a day after Thailand recalled its ambassador to Cambodia, following a landmine explosion that injured a Thai soldier alongside the border.
On Wednesday, Bangkok additionally stated it could expel Cambodia’s ambassador.
Bilateral relations between the 2 international locations are at their worst in additional than a decade, after armed clashes in Could left one Cambodian soldier lifeless.
Prior to now two months, each international locations have imposed tit-for-tat restrictions and strengthened troops presence alongside the border.
Further reporting by Could Titthara in Phnom Penh
