On the 9th, Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen stated on social media that the Cambodian military has launched a counterattack against the Thai army.
He said: “After abiding by the ceasefire agreement and evacuating civilians to safe areas for 24 hours, we launched counterattacks last night and this morning.”
He pointed out that the Thai side announced it would deploy armed forces to attack and occupy certain locations. The Cambodian side is unsure where these locations are, so “we must launch counterattacks at all locations.”
Meanwhile, Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Mari Sukjeta said at a press conference on the 9th that from the afternoon of the 7th to the morning of the 9th, the Thai military used heavy weapons, F-16 fighter jets, and poisonous gas to attack Cambodian military positions and civilians.
She stated that this round of border conflict has resulted in 7 Cambodian civilians dead and another 20 injured.
In addition, on the 9th, Thai Army spokesperson Wanthai told the media that both Thai and Cambodian sides are still using small arms and support weapons in clashes.
On the same day, Thailand's 2nd Army Region also published a statement on social media saying that from 6:00am that day, the Cambodian side fired BM-21 rocket launchers at multiple border locations, and Thailand responded in accordance with the rules of engagement.
The 1st Army Region of Thailand also reported on the same day that around 1:50am, two Cambodian shells hit two houses in the border area of Sa Kaeo Province, but local residents had already evacuated and there were no casualties reported.
Currently, three Thai soldiers have died in the conflict, and another 18 have been injured.
UN Urges Both Sides to Exercise Restraint
On the 8th, United Nations Secretary-General Guterres called on Cambodia and Thailand to exercise restraint.
UN Secretary-General spokesperson Dujarric stated that Guterres is deeply concerned about the recent clashes on the Thai-Cambodian border.
He pointed out that Thailand and Cambodia must do everything possible to ease tensions, abide by the framework agreement signed in Kuala Lumpur, and seek solutions through dialogue to reduce the risk of conflict.
The United Nations emphasized that it is willing to support both sides’ efforts toward peace and stability at any time. The UN called on the two countries to resolve disputes through diplomacy and dialogue, avoid escalation, and ensure the safety of people along the border.