Thailand, Cambodia Trade Blame as Border Clashes Kill Thai Soldier

ISLAMABAD: Thailand launched airstrikes on Cambodia on Monday after renewed fighting along their disputed border killed a Thai soldier, with both countries blaming each other for the escalation.

According to Thai army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree, Cambodian troops fired on Thai forces early Monday in Ubon Ratchathani province. “The Army received reports that Thai soldiers were attacked with supporting fire weapons, resulting in one soldier killed and four wounded,” he said. He added that Thailand had begun using aircraft to strike military targets in multiple areas to suppress attacks.

Cambodia’s defence ministry, however, accused Thai forces of initiating the attacks in the border provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey. Spokeswoman Maly Socheata alleged that Thailand fired multiple shots, including tank fire, at the Tamone Thom temple and other areas near the Preah Vihear temple, while Cambodian forces did not retaliate.

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Met Measpheakdey, a Cambodian spokesman for Oddar Meanchey province, reported gunfire near the centuries-old Tamone Thom and Ta Krabei temples, prompting several border villagers to flee to safety.

Thailand’s Second Army Region said that approximately 35,000 people have been evacuated from border areas since the latest clashes began.

Both countries reported a minor skirmish on Sunday, which the Thai military said wounded two soldiers.

Earlier this year, five days of clashes between Thailand and Cambodia killed 43 people and displaced roughly 300,000 before a truce was reached.