(Bangkok/Phnom Penh, 29th) Thai and Cambodian troops have clashed once again in disputed border territories after nearly two months of calm. Both sides accused each other of provoking the incident, with reports of gunfire and grenades being thrown. So far, no casualties have been reported.
Thai Army spokesman Wanthai issued a statement yesterday, stating that Thai troops reported Cambodian soldiers opened fire using small arms and grenade launchers at the Chong An Ma area in northeastern Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani Province at noon on Saturday. Thai task forces immediately went on alert and responded according to ceasefire procedures.
The Thai Army’s Second Regional Operations Center indicated that the exchange of fire was brief and the situation has since stabilized, with no Thai casualties. However, tensions remain high as both Thai and Cambodian sides have reinforced their troops. More than 300 villagers from Nam Yuen district, where Chong An Ma is located, have been urgently evacuated to shelters, with local civil defense volunteers assisting in the overnight evacuation efforts.
The Cambodian Ministry of Defense issued a statement yesterday afternoon, accusing the Thai military of launching two mortar and small-arms attacks on Cambodian positions the previous day. Ministry spokesperson Suochhea stated that the Thai attack came shortly before noon, and that the Cambodian troops exercised restraint and did not retaliate. She warned that such acts could undermine the ceasefire agreement and escalate tensions.
Cambodia has called for ASEAN observers to intervene, requesting they visit the attack site for forensic examination to verify the type and direction of ammunition fire, in order to establish a “real and transparent factual basis” and maintain the credibility of the peace process.
Cambodian former Prime Minister and current Senate President Hun Sen has held online consultations with Prime Minister Hun Manet, urging an investigation by the Malaysian-led temporary ASEAN observer team. Hun Sen posted on social media stating that both sides used mortars and machine guns and have lodged protests with each other, calling for on-site verification to ensure fairness.
According to the Khmer Times, the ASEAN observer team arrived yesterday at the Ansa region of Cambodia's Preah Vihear Province to inspect the alleged attack site on the Cambodian-Thai border.
Meanwhile, the 80th United Nations General Assembly is underway in New York, USA. During their speeches on Sunday, the foreign ministers of Cambodia and Thailand exchanged accusations. Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn criticized Thailand for violating the ceasefire and claimed Cambodian civilians had been forcibly expelled; Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak accused Cambodia of “lying, provoking, and distorting facts,” emphasizing that Thailand will firmly safeguard its sovereignty and peace.