Thai, Cambodian Troops Clash At Disputed Border

BANGKOK, July 24 (Bernama) -- A fresh clash between Thai and Cambodian troops erupted early Thursday along the disputed border, amid heightened tensions following a downgrade of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In a brief statement, the Royal Thai Army (RTA)  said the skirmish occurred near the Ta Muen Thom Temple, located in Thailand’s northeastern Surin province on Thursday morning.

According to the RTA, the confrontation allegedly occurred after Cambodian forces opened fire along the Thai-Cambodian border.

bootstrap slideshow

"The Cambodian side was observed deploying an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for reconnaissance before dispatching troops equipped with heavy weapons to engage in the clash," the RTA stated.

Meanwhile, Agency Kampuchea Press reported that armed clashes took place along the Cambodia–Thailand border in Oddar Meanchey province on Thursday morning.

“Cambodian forces acted strictly within the bounds of self-defence, responding to an unprovoked incursion by Thai troops that violated our territorial integrity,” said Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence spokesperson Lieutenant General Maly Socheata.

On Wednesday, the Thai government downgraded diplomatic relations with Cambodia in immediate retaliation after another Thai soldier sustained injuries from what the government claimed was a newly planted landmine.

The Cambodian government reciprocated by lowering its diplomatic ties with Thailand to the lowest level on Thursday.

Tensions between the two countries have been escalating since May 28, when a deadly clash broke out between Thai and Cambodian troops along the disputed Preah Vihear border area. One Cambodian soldier was killed in that exchange of fire.

The two Southeast Asian neighbours have been disputing over an 817-km undemarcated border for decades.  The issue continues to sour diplomatic ties.

-- BERNAMA