Thailand-Cambodia border war fears grow amid clashes
Tensions are rising in Southeast Asia. The Thai army fired artillery at Cambodia from a border town, and forces from the neighboring country retaliated.
Authorities in Bangkok have warned that these exchanges of fire could lead to war. Both sides claim they acted in self-defense and are calling for negotiations to begin. So far, at least 30 people have died, and over 130,000 have been displaced.
The Thai army launched artillery fire from Surin province, on the border with Cambodia. Buildings in Surin were damaged by shelling from Cambodia, and a hospital was evacuated. The streets are deserted after hundreds of locals fled.
"I'm worried and scared. My family evacuated and is staying with our cousin. But my brothers and I stayed behind to guard our homes from looting. It's just the three of us in three houses."
Hundreds of Cambodians are also queuing to register at makeshift refugee camps, as fighting on the Thailand-Cambodia border has dragged on.
The Thai Army has released images of a drone attack on a hill believed to house a Cambodian weapons cache near the disputed Preah Vihear temple. Both sides accuse each other of launching attacks.
“Thailand reaffirms its commitment to peacefully resolving the conflict in accordance with international law, and is prepared to cooperate with the international community to maintain peace and stability. We call on the Cambodian side to immediately cease all actions that violate international law and to return to the negotiating table with sincerity and good faith,” stated Nikorndej Balankura, spokesperson for the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Thai Navy claims clashes occurred in a coastal province. On the other hand, Cambodia announced that Bangkok had deployed eight vessels near its coastal province of Koh Kong.
“The Ministry of Defence denies the false claims by the Thai side that the Cambodian army initiated the attacks. Cambodia reiterates that there is no evidence that our country attacked first. Instead, Cambodia is a victim of Thailand's invasion and reserves the right to retaliate; it is our right to defend our territory,” stated Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of Defence.
The crisis between the two countries escalated after Thailand accused the neighboring country of planting landmines on the Thai side of the disputed border area, after three soldiers were injured. Cambodia denies the claim, stating that the soldiers deviated from agreed routes.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
