Thai, Cambodian soldiers exchange fire at disputed border area
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Thai and Cambodian soldiers talking at the Thai-Cambodian border in March. The countries have a history of clashes, but they have largely maintained cordial relations.
PHOTO: AFP
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BANGKOK – Thai and Cambodian soldiers exchanged fire at a disputed border area early on May 28, prompting the two sides to hold talks to end the stand-off.
Thailand accused Cambodian soldiers of entering the disputed area in violation of an agreement and firing at its soldiers when confronted. Thai troops returned fire.
There were no injuries or casualties in the clashes that took place near the border area in Thailand’s north-eastern Ubon Ratchathani province, Major-General Winthai Suvaree, a spokesman for the Thai army, told reporters.
But Cambodian army spokesman Major-General Mao Phalla said a Cambodian soldier was killed.
“One of our soldiers died during the fight, and there were some injuries, but we don’t have detailed figures yet,” he said.
He told the Associated Press the Cambodian troops were conducting a routine patrol along the border when the Thai side opened fire.
Cambodian government spokesman Pen Bona did not immediately respond to a Bloomberg request seeking details of the clash.
Thai Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the firing was triggered by a misunderstanding and both sides were talking to diffuse the tension.
Thailand will not pull its troops until Cambodian soldiers, who have dug a trench in the disputed area, withdraw, Lieutenant-General Boonsin Phadklang, commander of the 2nd Army Region, told reporters.
Thailand and Cambodia have a long history of clashes over land disputes, but they have largely maintained cordial relations since a deadly conflict in 2011 left dozens dead.
The border skirmishes happened a day after a gathering of Asean leaders
