Another Clash Erupts at Thai-Cambodian Border, 33 Reportedly Injured as Thai Forces Fire Rubber Bullets to Stop Cambodians From Removing Barbed Wire

Thailand and Cambodia once again clashed at the border on the 17th, reportedly resulting in 33 injuries.

To prevent Cambodian citizens from removing the border barbed wire and to control the situation, Thai troops fired tear gas and rubber bullets. The incident reportedly caused injuries to at least 28 Cambodians, and 5 Thai soldiers were also injured.

At the scene, some Cambodian villagers could be seen with blood streaming from their faces and necks, and a Cambodian soldier hit in the eye was assisted in retreat by companions.

The confrontation and clashes lasted for several hours before the situation calmed down. Thai security forces remain on high alert, closely monitoring developments.

This is the most severe escalation of conflict since both countries announced a ceasefire in July. The clash occurred at a disputed border settlement. Thailand claims the settlement belongs to Ban Nong Yakhao village in Sa Kaeo province, while Cambodia claims it is Preah Chan village in Banteay Meanchey.

The Thai military issued a statement noting that Cambodian citizens, accompanied by Cambodian soldiers, were found dismantling the border barbed wire in Sa Kaeo province. About 200 Cambodian protesters crossed the border to dismantle Thai security barriers, encroaching on Thai territory, obstructing Thai operations, and damaging official property. The Thai side says the use of force was to respond to provocation, with some demonstrators throwing sticks and stones, and even using slingshots to attack Thai officials, resulting in injuries to Thai personnel.

The statement said that these acts violated the two countries’ ceasefire agreement.

The statement continued: "We had to use tear gas and rubber bullets to control the situation and force the crowd to leave the area."

However, Cambodia accused Thai military and police of crossing into Banteay Meanchey province in Cambodia that day, attempting to set up barbed wire at the border, which was immediately stopped by stationed Cambodian troops and many local civilians.

Cambodia accused Thai soldiers and riot police of carrying batons, shields, and other weapons, and re-erecting barbed wire in Preah Chan village, Ou Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province.

On the 17th, Cambodian Minister of Information Phos Phetraka pointed out that Thai officials crossed the border and used “tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bang devices” against Cambodian civilians.

He said local government reports stated that 23 Cambodians, including a soldier and a Buddhist monk, were injured.