Thailand and Cambodia clashed in a disputed border area on the 24th, with each country accusing the other of firing first. CNN reported that the Thai army has dispatched fighter jets to launch operations against Cambodian military targets on the disputed border between the two countries, symbolizing a clear escalation of tensions that may evolve into a wider conflict. The Thai Embassy has called on its citizens to leave Cambodia.
Thailand’s Second Military Region Command, which is responsible for the northeast, posted on Facebook that it had dispatched F-16 fighter jets and claimed to have “destroyed” two regional military support units in Cambodia. Col. Richa Suksuwanont, deputy army spokesman for Thailand, said the airstrikes were only aimed at military facilities.
No immediate confirmation has been received from Cambodia.
According to Thai military officials, armed clashes broke out between Thai and Cambodian troops in the disputed border area earlier on the 24th, injuring civilians and prompting the Thai side to evacuate residents. Thailand also accused the Cambodian army of firing heavy weapons at civilian areas near Kap Choeng district in Surin Province. The statement said: “The attack injured three civilians and the Thai authorities quickly evacuated local residents to protect lives and property.”
A spokesman for the Cambodian Ministry of Defense said the Cambodian army acted in self-defense after an unprovoked invasion by Thai soldiers. Lieutenant General Maly Socheata said: “The Cambodian troops acted strictly in accordance with the principle of self-defense in response to the unprovoked invasion of the Thai army, which has violated our territorial integrity.”
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said in a Facebook post that Thailand attacked Cambodian army positions at two temples in Oddar Meanchey province. Hun Manet stressed: “Cambodia has always maintained its position of resolving issues peacefully, but in this case, we have no choice but to respond to armed aggression with force,” and urged the people to remain calm.
