Early on Thursday, soldiers from Thailand and Cambodia shot at each other at a border area that both countries claim, which made diplomatic tensions worse. The event took place close to the Ta Muen Thom temple, which is a hot spot for ongoing disagreements between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.
Both countries have sent more troops to the area and used harsher language, even though each side accuses the other of starting the fight. The fight on the Thai-Cambodian border is a big step back for regional stability and occurs at a time when more and more people are calling for a peaceful conclusion within international law.
Who shot first in the fight at the Thai-Cambodian border?
The military of Thailand said that Cambodian troops shot first near the Ta Muen Thom temple, which is hundreds of years old. Cambodia’s defense ministry, on the other hand, said its troops were responding in self-defense after Thai soldiers allegedly started the gunfire.
The fight at the Thai-Cambodian border has brought back old territorial tensions that have been there for a long time, even after diplomatic efforts. Here is the link to our article on Cross-Border Offensive Risk.
What started the most recent round of violence?
Thailand says that Cambodia sent a surveillance drone into the disputed area before sending in highly armed troops. The fight hurt two Thai soldiers.
Cambodia said that Thailand was violating its sovereignty, which led to a strong response. Hun Manet, the Prime Minister of Cambodia, said that the government had “no choice but to respond with armed force against armed aggression.”
Hun Sen, the former leader of Cambodia, said that areas of two provinces had been shelled and told people to stay calm.
What is happening with diplomatic relations?
The fight comes after a number of diplomatic failures. Bangkok called back its ambassador from Phnom Penh just one day before the shooting started. This was because a Thai soldier was hurt in a landmine explosion along the border.
Thailand also said it will kick out Cambodia’s ambassador. These steps show that relations between the two countries are at their worst in more than ten years.
Tensions have been rising since May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a fight. Since then, both countries have put in place strategies to respond and sent more troops to the area. Here is the link to our article on Cross-Border Strikes and Tensions
What Are Leaders Saying About the Rise?
Phumtham Wechayachai, the acting Prime Minister of Thailand, said the matter was “delicate” and that it needed to be handled carefully and in line with international norms. Cambodia, on the other hand, says it is just protecting its borders.
People on both sides are still accusing each other, which could lead to mistakes that make the conflict worse.
Final Thoughts
The fight at the Thai-Cambodian border clash has hurt people and made diplomatic relations worse than they have ever been. Even if both countries are calling for peace, they are strengthening their positions. As tensions escalate, regional players and international mediators may need to step in before the disagreement turns into a bigger fight. Quick and peaceful talks are the key to stability in Southeast Asia.
