Troops from Thailand and Cambodia have clashed at a disputed portion in their border early on Thursday, with either side accusing every different of firing the primary shot.
The Thai army mentioned Cambodian infantrymen opened hearth close to the Khmer temple Ta Muen Thom, the place tensions have run top in fresh weeks.
Cambodia’s defence ministry alternatively mentioned its infantrymen have been responding in self-defence after Thai troops fired the primary pictures.
Cambodia had despatched a surveillance drone into the world sooner than deploying closely armed troops, the Thai army mentioned, including that no less than two Thai infantrymen have been injured.
A spokeswoman for the Cambodian defence ministry, Maly Socheata, mentioned their troops “exercised their proper to protect their sovereignty and territorial integrity in opposition to the aggression of the Thai troops.
Socheata mentioned Thailand “violated the territorial integrity of Cambodia”.
Portions of 2 Cambodian provinces have been shelled by means of the Thai army, former chief Hun Sen mentioned on Fb, whilst additionally urging other people to not panic.
“Cambodia has at all times maintained a place of short of to get to the bottom of problems peacefully, however on this case we don’t have any selection however to reply with armed pressure in opposition to armed aggression,” Top Minister Hun Manet mentioned on Fb.
Thailand’s performing premier Phumtham Wechayachai mentioned that its dispute with Cambodia stays “subtle” and will have to be addressed with care, and consistent with world regulation.
Thursday’s conflict comes an afternoon after Thailand recalled its ambassador to Cambodia, following a landmine explosion that injured a Thai soldier alongside the border.
On Wednesday, Bangkok additionally mentioned it might expel Cambodia’s ambassador.
Bilateral family members between the 2 nations are at their worst in additional than a decade, after armed clashes in Might left one Cambodian soldier useless.
Previously two months, each nations have imposed tit-for-tat restrictions and bolstered troops presence alongside the border.
Further reporting by means of Might Titthara in Phnom Penh
