Thread: Cambodia claims sergeant killed in border clash with Thai troops

Cambodia’s Defence Ministry issued a statement today, claiming that a sergeant major was killed this morning during a brief gun battle with Thai troops at the Chong Bok border pass in Thailand’s north-eastern province of Ubon Ratchathani.


The statement also claimed the Thai army initiated the exchange by opening fire on Cambodian forces stationed in a trench, which has long served as Cambodia’s outpost in Preah Vihear province.


The victim was identified as Sergeant Major Suwan Rao, 48.


Cambodia’s Defence Ministry said that the battle was not of its choice and that it will discuss the issue with the Thai ministry, to prevent a recurrence and to normalise the situation.


It added that Cambodia is committed to using diplomatic channels to resolve the matter peacefully and intends that the joint border be a place of peace, stability and development for mutual benefit.


It also stated, however, that Cambodia is determined to protect its territorial integrity by all necessary means.


The ministry urged the public not to trust information circulating on social media and instead rely on updates from official sources, particularly the Defence Ministry.


Earlier, the Thai Army stated in a press release that the Suranaree Task Force had received a report at around 5:30am, that Cambodian troops had entered the overlapping border area, violating an agreement between the two countries. The task force then deployed troops to intercept them.


The Cambodian forces allegedly opened fire on the Thai troops, sparking a firefight that lasted about 10 minutes. Thai army claims that there were no casualties on either side.


Shortly afterwards, the deputy commander of the Cambodian force contacted Colonel Boonserm Boonbamrung, deputy commander of the Suranaree Task Force, to request a ceasefire.


Both Thai and Cambodian forces remain in the area.

Cambodia claims sergeant killed in border clash with Thai troops

Border clash between Thai and Cambodian forces in Ubon Ratchathani

Thai and Cambodian border troops engaged in a brief gun battle Wednesday morning, in the Chong Bok border pass in Thailand’s north-eastern province of Ubon Ratchathani.


The Thai Army said in a press release today that the Suranaree Task Force received a report, at about 5.30am, that Cambodian troops had moved into the overlapping border area, in violation of the agreement between the two countries, and it decided to send troops to intercept them.


The Cambodian force opened fire at the Thai troops, triggering a firefight which lasted about ten minutes, said the army, adding that no casualties were reported on either side.


Shortly afterward, the army said the deputy commander of the Cambodian force contacted Colonel Boonserm Boonbamrung, deputy commander of the Suranaree Task Force, seeking a ceasefire.


Both the Thai and Cambodian forces are still in the area.

Border clash between Thai and Cambodian forces in Ubon Ratchathani

Border tensions ease as Thai, Cambodian troops pull back

Thailand and Cambodia agreed today to move their troops 200 metres back from a spot in a disputed area near Thailand’s border in Ubon Ratchathani province, in an effort to ease tensions following a brief exchange of gunfire yesterday.


The agreement resulted from a meeting between Thai Army Commander-in-Chief General Pana Klaewplodthuk and his Cambodian counterpart, General Mao Sophan, held at the Chong Chom Pass in Surin province.


The meeting was urgently convened after both sides clashed briefly, but fatally, with each claiming the other opened fire first.


A Cambodian sergeant was killed at the scene, according to the Cambodian army.


The withdrawal is aimed at reducing tensions, as both sides had initially been ordered to remain stationed along the frontier.


A joint demarcation panel will be assigned to visit the disputed site, to build confidence and ensure that such clashes do not recur.


The Thai side will prepare for potential evacuation, in case of emergency, by setting up eight temporary shelters for civilians. Emergency drills will also be conducted at some schools near the area.


Earlier, the Club of Cambodian Journalists (CCJ) and the Thai Journalists Association (TJA) expressed concern over the continued spread of false information regarding the situation between Thailand and Cambodia.


They warned that this may exacerbate misunderstanding between the two nations.


Therefore, they urged media outlets in both countries to exercise caution and to refrain from publishing or broadcasting information that lacks credible sources or is simply false, especially concerning the shared border, to avoid exploitation of the issue for other purposes.


They also called on social media users in both countries to consider carefully the potential consequences, before sharing information related to the border situation.


The CCJ and TJA hope that the issues currently arising along the border will be resolved peacefully through diplomatic means, to prevent any negative impacts on the long-standing relations between our peoples and nations.

Border tensions ease as Thai, Cambodian troops pull back

This is only a couple of kilometres from the Emerald Triangle, which unsurprisingly is now listed as "temporarily closed".

Thailand plans to close six permanent and 10 temporary checkpoints along the border with Cambodia, as well as suspending the issuance of temporary border passes to tourist attractions at the Preah Vihear ancient temple, in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket province and Prasat Ta Muan Thom ancient ruins, in Phanom Dongrak district of Surin province.


An informed security source said that the closures are necessary to ensure the safety of people living along the border and businesses engaged in cross-border trade.


The border closure is also meant to reduce the possibility of another confrontation between the peoples of the two countries, after Cambodian netizens began stirring up nationalistic sentiments in the aftermath of a recent clash between Thai and Cambodian forces at Chong Bok border pass in Ubon Ratchathani province, which left at least one Cambodian soldiers dead.


Thailand plans to close six permanent and 10 temporary checkpoints along the border with Cambodia, as well as suspending the issuance of temporary border passes to tourist attractions at the Preah Vihear ancient temple, in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket province and Prasat Ta Muan Thom ancient ruins, in Phanom Dongrak district of Surin province.


An informed security source said that the closures are necessary to ensure the safety of people living along the border and businesses engaged in cross-border trade.


The border closure is also meant to reduce the possibility of another confrontation between the peoples of the two countries, after Cambodian netizens began stirring up nationalistic sentiments in the aftermath of a recent clash between Thai and Cambodian forces at Chong Bok border pass in Ubon Ratchathani province, which left at least one Cambodian soldiers dead.


The closed border checkpoints are:
Chong Sa-ngam in Phu Singh district of Si Sa Ket
Chong Chom in Karb Choeng district of Surin
Khlong Loek in Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo
Ban Laem and Ban Pak Kard in Pong Nam Ron district of Chanthaburi
Ban Hat Lek in Khlong Yai in Trat

The closed temporary checkpoints are:
Chong An Ma in Nam Yuen district of Ubon Ratchathani
Ban Ta Phraya in Ta Phraya district of Sa Kaeo
Ban Nong Prue in Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kae
Ban Khao Din in Khlong Hat district of Sa Kaeo
Ban Sap Taree in Soi Dao district of Chanthaburi
Ban Bueng Chanang Lan in Pong Nam Ron district of Chanthaburi
Ban Suan Som in Soi Dao district of Chanthaburi
Ban Muen Dan and Ban Chamong in Bo Rai district of Trat
Chong Sai Takoo in Ban Kruat district of Buri Ram

Thailand to close 16 checkpoints along border with Cambodia

An informed security source said that the closures are necessary to ensure the safety of people living along the border and businesses engaged in cross-border trade.

The border closure is also meant to reduce the possibility of another confrontation between the peoples of the two countries

And it's also a punishment and a bit of blackmail of course.

Just more chest thumping!

Plenty of more important issues that both countries should be concentrating on.

Burapa task force mobilised as dispute with Cambodia escalates

Thailand’s Burapha Task Force, which oversees the Thai-Cambodian border, has moved its troops and weapons to a police compound in the border province of Sa Kaeo, in readiness for any possible border emergency.


Commander, Major General Benchapon Dechatiwong na Ayutthaya, said yesterday's relocation is intended to reassure the public that, if a conflict arises at the border, the army will be there to protect them.


“Once they receive orders, our troops and weapons will act quickly to ensure the safety of the people,” he said.


Images of the relocation were circulating on major Thai news and social media platforms, garnering supportive comments for the army and criticism of Cambodia.

Tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border rose following a brief confrontation with Cambodian soldiers in a disputed area on May 28.


A Cambodian sergeant was killed during the exchange of gunfire, according to the Cambodian army.


Military chiefs held an urgent meeting to de-escalate the situation, which resulted in both sides agreeing to withdraw from the disputed site, pending a joint panel’s visit to the area.


It appears that the Cambodian side, especially former prime minister Hun Sen, is seeking to resolve the dispute through the International Court of Justice, but claims that the land in question belongs to Cambodia.

Burapa task force mobilised as dispute with Cambodia escalates

Hun Sen wants the World Court to resolve ongoing land dispute with Thailand

Former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen has insisted that the “Emerald Triangle” is on Cambodian soil and is calling for Thailand and Cambodia to settle this issue at the International Court of Justice, according to the Phnom Penh Post.


The Post published a photo showing then Prime Minister Hun Sen and his wife, both wearing military fatigues, visiting area over 15 years ago.


“There is no way I could have worn a military uniform and taken photos in that area (if it was foreign territory). At that time, I was receiving Lao soldiers in a ceremonial hall there.


The hall burned down a few years ago,” said Hun Sen.


Both Thai and Cambodian armed forces have dispatched reinforcements to the disputed area, following a brief clash at the Chong Bok border pass in Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province on May 28, which left one Cambodian soldier dead.


Hen Sen has claimed that Cambodian troops have been stationed in “Emerald Triangle” for 14 years, before the Paris Agreement of October 1991 and the signing of the memorandum of understanding in 2000.


He suggested that the UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia could serve as a witness.


The former Cambodian prime minister claimed that, after the May 28th incident, some Thai extremists have posted offensive comments on his Facebook page, with the intention of souring the relationship between Thailand and Cambodia, and are demanding that Cambodia withdraws its troops from the disputed area.


“Cambodia cannot withdraw its troops from its own territory just because Thailand demands it. This same tactic was used by former Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva over a decade ago,” said Hun Sen.


He also said that what the recent clash was just another episode in a recurring effort to grab Cambodian territory by low-level Thai commanders, supported by a Thai extremist group.


The “Emerald Tringle” is a 12 square kilometre area, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia meet.


The land includes Chong Bok, which is in the Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park in Nam Yuen district of Ubon Ratchathani province.


It was the scene of a bloody war between Thai and Vietnamese forces between 1985 and 1987, when Cambodia was occupied by Vietnamese forces. 109 Thai soldiers were killed and Vietnamese forces were driven out of the area.

Hun Sen wants the World Court to resolve ongoing land dispute with Thailand

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

This is only a couple of kilometres from the Emerald Triangle, which unsurprisingly is now listed as "temporarily closed".

There's not much there besides a couple painted rocks, razor wire, and landmines.

Thai spokesman refutes Hun Sen's claim over disputed border area

In response to former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's assertion that the disputed border area, where a fatal clash with Thai troops occurred last month, belongs to Cambodia, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura emphasized that Hun Sen’s statement carries no legal weight or consequence.


He reiterated that the Thai army acted in accordance with the rules of engagement and both international and Thai laws during its confrontation with Cambodian troops on May 28, aiming to protect Thailand's sovereignty.


The spokesman expressed condolences for the Cambodian soldier who was killed during the encounter in a disputed area near Ubon Ratchathani’s Nam Yuen district.


However, he stated, “Thailand adhered to all necessary laws to protect its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its personnel. Our response was appropriate and measured.”


The Thai side has also urged the media to report the facts and truth about the situation as accurately as possible.

Thai spokesman refutes Hun Sen'''s claim over disputed border area

Vietnamese border raids in Thailand - Wikipedia

Good link although it's very brief. I'd have been interested in more detail.

That was a great link for those smart enough to scroll and click on the causes and incidents tabs.

Thai army denies sending spy drone across the border into Cambodia

Thai army denies Cambodian claims of drone spying, says no drone was sent across the border and footage shown online does not feature Thai equipment.
The Royal Thai Army has firmly denied an online report by Cambodian media alleging that a Thai drone was flown across the border to spy on Cambodian troops.


Major General Winthai Suvari, the army’s spokesman, stated that the Thai military does not require drones for such surveillance, as Cambodian troop movements are often visible through social media and public online sources.


Winthai also rejected claims that the drone shown in a report by Fresh News TV, a Cambodian online media outlet, belonged to the Thai army.




Fresh News TV had released a video clip showing three Cambodian soldiers, one of whom was holding a drone. In the clip, a soldier claimed he had shot down a drone allegedly flown by the Thai military in violation of Cambodian airspace, accusing Thailand of increasing incursions to monitor Cambodian troop positions.


The soldier further claimed that the drone had been seized on Monday.


Winthai dismissed the report as fabricated, urging Thai citizens to follow information from credible sources only. He stated that most Cambodian media reports on the issue were false.

He clarified that both Thai and Cambodian forces possess drones, and the one shown in the video did not belong to the Thai military.


Winthai also pointed out that the area in Ubon Ratchathani near the border remains undemarcated, so drone activity in the vicinity cannot definitively be attributed to territorial violations.


“I reaffirm that we have not sent a drone into Cambodia, and the drone shown in the report does not belong to the Thai army,” Winthai said.


“Movements of Cambodian troops and weapons have already been widely posted on social media — we have no need to use a drone.”

Thai army denies sending spy drone across the border into Cambodia

Thai army refutes Cambodian claim that it shot down its spy drone

The Thai army dismissed an allegation in Cambodian media today, claiming that Cambodian troops had shot down a Thai military surveillance drone, which had intruded into Cambodian airspace.


According to the Cambodian media, the troops stationed on the frontline in Preah Vihear province shot the drone down as it was being used by the Thai army to monitor Cambodian troop and equipment movements.


Thai Army Spokesman Maj-Gen Winthai Suvaree dismissed the allegation as fabricated, noting that there was no need to spy on the Cambodian troop movements, as such activities are reported in Cambodian social media.


He pointed out that it is normal for Thai and Cambodian forces to use drones over the un-demarcated border areas, adding that it is possible for drones of either country to encroach on the airspace of the other.


He insisted, however, that the drone the Cambodians claim they shot down did not belong to the Thai army.


He also urged the Thai people to double-check Cambodian media reports concerning Thailand, claiming that most of them are fake news.


According to the Khmer Times, the Thai forces have continued to violate Cambodian territory, with the latest incident involving the unauthorised flight of a drone over frontline areas to conduct surveillance on Cambodian military positions.


The drone was successfully intercepted by Cambodian troops.


The online claimed that on June 2, Cambodian soldiers stationed at the frontline in Preah Vihear Province intercepted a drone that had entered Cambodian airspace for reconnaissance purposes.


Preliminary assessments indicate that the drone was deployed by the Thai military to gather intelligence on the deployment and movement of Cambodian forces.


The online post shares a photo along with the news, depicting four Cambodian soldiers, with one in the center holding an object believed to be a drone.

Thai army refutes Cambodian claim that it shot down its spy drone

First Army Region troops are placed on combat-readiness

Thailand’s First Army Region troops have been placed on combat-readiness, due to the build-up of Thai and Cambodian forces along the mostly un-demarcated Thai-Cambodian border.


Lt-Gen Amarit Boonsuya, commander of the First Army Region inspected troops at a huge barracks in the eastern province of Chon Buri yesterday.


Troops, in combat gear, of the 11th infantry division, the Kanchanaburi-based 9th infantry division, the Lop Buri-based artillery division, the anti-aircraft division and the rapid deployment force troops, together with armoured vehicles, anti-aircraft guns and troop carriers, gathered in the compound of the barracks in a show of Thai military strength.

Lt-Gen Amarit inspected the troops and urged them all to have confidence in their capabilities and to be ready to sacrifice to protect their motherland.


Thailand’s eastern border with Cambodia is under the jurisdiction of the Second Army Region.

First Army Region troops are placed on combat-readiness

Anwar steps in as ASEAN chair to defuse Thai-Cambodian border feud

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as chairman of ASEAN, has called the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia in an effort to mediate the ongoing border tension between the two countries.


On his Facebook page, Anwar today wrote that he had engaged with both leaders to convey his appreciation for their commitment to resolving the border issue through negotiations and diplomatic channels.


Deeply valuing Malaysia’s strong relations with both countries, Anwar said he urged them to continue exercising restraint, take steps to de-escalate tensions, and work toward a peaceful and comprehensive resolution.


“I am confident that the spirit of regional cooperation and ASEAN’s principles of peaceful dispute resolution will serve as a strong foundation in addressing any disagreements,” he wrote.


Meanwhile, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra thanked Anwar for calling her this afternoon to discuss the Thai-Cambodian border situation and express his readiness to help both sides resolve the matter.


“I reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to a peaceful resolution through existing bilateral mechanisms, while safeguarding our sovereignty in accordance with international law,” she wrote on her Facebook page.

She also posted a photo of her phone conversation with Anwar. With her during the call were Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and Prime Minister’s Secretary General Prommin Lertsuridej.


Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet also posted about his conversation with Anwar on his Facebook page, writing that earlier in the evening, he had a telephone call with Anwar and thanked him for his attention to the ongoing situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border.


He told Anwar that Cambodia adheres to the principle of maintaining peace, friendship, and good cooperation with Thailand.

“Cambodia’s decision to refer Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, Ta Krabei Temple, and the Mom Bei area to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is aimed at seeking an early, peaceful, and permanent solution to the border issue in these areas, rather than prolonging the uncertainty, which could lead to renewed armed conflict.”


Cambodia continues to cooperate with Thailand to expedite the demarcation and delimitation of the border (excluding the four areas mentioned) through the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC).


The country also remains committed to maintaining bilateral relations through all existing mechanisms for the mutual benefit of the two peoples.

Anwar steps in as ASEAN chair to defuse Thai-Cambodian border feud

Would it be naive to suggest Cambodia is just trying to force Thailand to the ICJ to resolve that pesky undemarcated coastal zone that might contain a shitload of oil and gas?

Thailand renews call for Cambodia to withdraw troops, warns of growing tension

Thailand has once again demanded that Cambodia withdraw its troops from a disputed border area, warning that Phnom Penh’s rejection has worsened tensions and made the situation increasingly volatile.


“It is unfortunate that Cambodia has not only refused to back down from the site in question, but has also reinforced additional troops in the area,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura.


“The reinforcement violates the 2000 memorandum of understanding between the two countries,” he added.


Thailand had earlier urged Cambodia to contain the conflict to the area of the fatal May 28 incident and had already moved its own troops 200 metres away from the area to prevent clashes and protect civilians on both sides.


Discussions at various levels had been held in good faith, but following a June 5 meeting in Sa Kaeo between the Thai and Cambodian defence ministers, Phnom Penh outright rejected Thailand’s proposal.


Thailand expressed disappointment at Cambodia’s refusal to ease tensions or adhere to previous agreements.


“The continued reinforcement of troops by Cambodia, coupled with its refusal to comply with the MOU, clearly signals a lack of willingness to cooperate in reducing tensions,” Nikorndej said, warning that the situation was becoming more fragile.


Citing a resolution passed by the National Security Council on June 6, Nikorndej said Thailand would consider measures to regulate the opening and closing of border checkpoints based on the level of tension.


He emphasized that any such steps would be carefully calibrated to avoid unnecessary disruptions to trade, daily life, and humanitarian concerns.


Thailand reiterated its readiness to resolve the issue peacefully and expressed hope that the long-delayed meeting of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), scheduled for June 14, would proceed as planned.


“We urge Cambodia to take genuine steps to de-escalate the situation along the border to prevent unnecessary escalation that could negatively affect border communities on both sides,” Nikorndej said.


He added that Thailand remains committed to bilateral dialogue through mechanisms like the JBC and other peaceful channels to restore calm to the Thai-Cambodian border.


The press conference was also attended by Defence Ministry spokeswoman Col Dungjai Suwannikit and Army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree.


Winthai said the Burapa and Chanthaburi-Trat Task Forces have been assigned to determine whether to open or close border checkpoints.


However, he reiterated that any decisions will take into account the daily lives of border communities.


One group likely to be affected by tighter screening measures are those crossing the border to gamble, he noted.


Time limits may be introduced at certain checkpoints, but the measures will not apply to individuals crossing for educational purposes.


"The final measure, if necessary, would be the complete closure of all checkpoints," Winthai said.

Thailand renews call for Cambodia to withdraw troops, warns of growing tension

Border flare-up tied to Thai political divide and Cambodia’s strategic drive

The latest military clash at the Chong Bok border pass was not merely a result of lingering territorial disputes, but was triggered by Thailand’s deepening political divisions and Cambodia’s assertive strategic posture, according to analysts.


A brief military clash happened at predawn on May 28 in the disputed area of Hill 496 adjacent to Chong Bok in Nam Yuen district of Ubon Ratchathani province.


While the Thai authorities tried to play down tensions, initially saying there was no casualty, Cambodia said one of its soldiers, Sgt Suan Roan, 48, was killed during the fight, and played up his death and funeral to boost moral support in the country.


Such a tactical conflict was supposed to end when Thai army chief Pana Claewplodtook met with his Cambodian counterpart, Mao Sophan, at the Chong Chom border checkpoint on May 29.


The meeting resulted in a three-point solution to position their respective troops appropriately to reduce confrontation—basically 200 meters from the clash site; address the boundary disputes through the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) which will convene in Phnom Penh on June 14; and maintain good bilateral relations and exercise patience and restraint.


In a Facebook post a day later, Cambodia’s former prime minister Hun Sen condemned Thai nationalists for provoking the conflict and tensions with Cambodia.


Hun Sen, who is now the president of the Senate, went on to say that Cambodia would never withdraw its troops from the disputed areas, which were deemed its territory.


Chong Bok was situated in the border conjunction area of Thailand-Laos-Cambodia, known as the Emerald Triangle or Mom Bei region in Khmer.


According to Hun Sen, Cambodian troops have been stationed in the area since before the 1991 Paris Peace Agreement.


The situation is heating up as Prime Minister Hun Manet posted on Facebook on June 1 that his government was preparing to take the boundary dispute in the Emerald Triangle, the Hindu sanctuary of Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Tauch, and Ta Krabei to be settled by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).


“I would like to reiterate that although Cambodia tries to resolve the border peacefully according to technical mechanisms and international laws, Cambodia retains the right to defend its territory by all means including the use of armed force in case of an attempt to invade Cambodia's territory by using military force,” said Hun Manet, who is the eldest son of Hun Sen.


Domestic rift


Tensions in Thailand-Cambodia relations did not materialise out of the blue. Right-wing nationalists have fired salvos since last year to discredit the Pheu Thai Party-led government over the maritime deals in the overlapping claims areas (OCA).


They threatened to call street protests to oust the government if it resumed negotiations on the OCA that could lead to the loss of Koh Kut island to Cambodia.


From the OCA to Koh Kut, Thai nationalist groups have exploited social media to inflame border tensions with Cambodia, following a verbal altercation between Thai and Cambodian soldiers at the Ta Moan Thom Hindu sanctuary in Surin Province in February, and a fire incident at the Trimuk Pavilion near the border junction in Ubon Ratchathani province in March.


Weeks before the May 28 clash, pictures in social media showed trenches were dug in the area adjacent to Chok Bok border pass, where the demarcation of land boundary has not yet been completed.


These posts were rapidly amplified by nationalist commentators and picked up by several mainstream media outlets, sparking renewed calls for the Thai government and military to take a firmer stance against what was perceived as territorial encroachment.


Right-wing narratives accused the government, particularly Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, of adopting a lenient policy toward Cambodia.


The Shinawatra factor


Meanwhile, the role of the military — notably Commander of the 2nd Army Region Boonsin Padklang — was highlighted by local media and politicians, undermining the leadership of the civilian government.


Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut praised the military for performing its duty professionally, while blaming Paetongtarn’s government for having remained conspicuously silent and underestimated the situation.


“To make matters worse, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, the father of Paetongtarn and a close friend of Hun Sen, has downplayed the issue, suggesting that it could be resolved through his personal ties with the Cambodian leadership,” he posted on Facebook.


Phumtham rushed to dismiss a rumor that he planned to sideline 2nd Army Region Commander Boonsin for suggesting the government close the border checkpoint to retaliate against Cambodia.


“All of this [rumor] is an example of incitement meant to sow distrust in the government. I urge everyone to refrain from such actions, as they affect Thailand’s sovereignty and independence. We are treading carefully to avoid war, out of concern for the people standing on the front lines,” he told reporters.


Paradon Patthanathabutr, former secretary-general of the National Security Council, urged the government to demonstrate strong leadership of the military in responding to Cambodia's provocation.


“Of course, we don’t want war but the government and the military must unite to show our strength,” he said.


Furthermore, disunity within the coalition government notably the conflicts and competitions between the ruling Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai parties weakened its capacity to lead and deal with Cambodia, he said.


Internationalized conflict


Paradon said the government in Phnom Penh had played up the border clash with the intention of taking the issue to an international forum, threatening to bring the case to the ICJ, which ruled in favor of Cambodia in the Preah Vihear temple case in 1962 and 2013.


The Cambodian leadership, notably PM Hun Manet, who took the helm from his father, needed to exploit the conflict with Thailand to buttress his credentials as a leader and enhance his domestic popularity, he said.


Cambodia’s opposition leader in exile Sam Raisy posted in his Facebook on June 3, encouraging Hun Manet’s government to take all disputed areas including the sandstone Hindu sanctuary and the Emerald Triangle, Koh Kut and other sea territory to the ICJ to “to ensure he walked the talk”.


Cambodia gets firepower boost from China


Cambodia enjoys strong military support from China, which has helped upgrade the Ream naval base, holds the Golden Dragon joint exercises, as well as ensures sufficient supply of hardware.


Cambodia likely has more confidence in its fire power and military strength against superior neighboring Thailand, according to security sources.


Cambodia’s military is equipped with various types of multiple rocket launchers and air defense systems. The PHL-03 multiple rocket launcher, which fires 300mm rockets, has a range of 70–130 kilometers, the sources said and added that other systems, such as the Type 90B, RM-70, and BM-21 with a shorter range of 20–40 kilometers, are available.


For air defense, Cambodia possesses the KS-1C surface-to-air missile system with a range of 70 kilometers. This system is based on China’s HQ-12 and is guided by the H-200 radar, capable of engaging targets at altitudes up to 25 kilometers.


It is currently considered the most advanced air defense system in the Cambodian armed forces, with the capability to intercept drones and various types of aircraft, they said.


China might not be directly involved in the conflict between the two neighbors, but would gain strategic benefit as Thailand would not interfere with many on-going projects including the naval base and Funan Techo Canal, they said.

Border flare-up tied to Thai political divide and Cambodia’s strategic drive

Thai army given authority over checkpoints along border with Cambodia

Following a decision by Thailand’s National Security Council on Friday, Thai Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Pana Klaewplodthuk issued an order today, empowering commanders of the Burapha and Suranaree task forces to open or close border checkpoints along Thai-Cambodian border, for the protection of Thai territorial sovereignty and the safety of the public and their property.


Meanwhile, it is reported that the commander of the Marine Task Force in Chanthaburi province ordered the immigration police to suspend the issuance of border passes today, for crossings in either direction, through the Pong Nam Ron and Khlong Yai checkpoints in Chanthaburi province.


Migrant workers from Cambodia and border traders are not affected.


It is well known that most Thai tourists visit Cambodia to gamble in casinos over the border.


There are 11 permanent and temporary checkpoints along Thai eastern border with Cambodia, in Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Trat, Chanthaburi, Sa Kaeo, Surin and Buri Ram provinces.


In the order, General Pana says that Cambodian troops have, on a number of occasions, intruded into Thai territory and have sung their national anthem, to create an imprison that the land there belongs to Cambodia, or have engaged in provocative acts designed to increase tensions.


He said that, when Thai troops protested against these provocative acts and began negotiations to resolve the conflict, Cambodia responded by boosting its military presence, citing the recent clash in the Chong Bok pass in Ubon Ratchathani province between Thai and Cambodian forces.


General Pana restated Thailand’s commitment to peaceful co-existence with Cambodia and to the use of negotiation to ease tensions, because the peoples of both countries should not be affected.


He added, however, that the military build-up by Cambodia is unacceptable, poses a threat to Thai territorial sovereignty and threatens the safety of those living and working along the border.

Thai army given authority over checkpoints along border with Cambodia

Border tensions ease as Cambodia pulls back troops from disputed area

Cambodia has agreed to pull back its troops from a disputed border area to their previous positions and has filled in trenches dug near Chong Bok Pass, as requested by the Thai side, in an effort to ease tensions and prevent further clashes.


Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra wrote on her Facebook page that she had held talks with the Cambodian government and reached a positive outcome.


“Both countries agreed to jointly readjust military positions at points of past confrontation in order to reduce tension,” she wrote.


Paetongtarn also stated that the two countries would push forward bilateral cooperation through the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), which is scheduled to meet on June 14 in Phnom Penh to help de-escalate tensions.


Dialogue will continue at all levels with the aim of restoring normal relations as soon as possible.


Thai and Cambodian troops exchanged brief gunfire in the early morning of May 28 in a disputed area near Ubon Ratchathani’s Nam Yuen district.


Initially, both sides reported no casualties, but later that afternoon, Cambodia claimed that one of its sergeants had died in the clash.


Tensions escalated further after Phnom Penh rejected Thailand's proposal to withdraw troops 200 meters from the disputed zone. Cambodia also announced it would bring four disputed border areas to the World Court.


Earlier reports indicated that Thai troops had withdrawn from the disputed area, while the Cambodian army declined to do the same.


In response to the rejection and rising tensions, Thai border checkpoints have adjusted their opening and closing times, resulting in some disruptions.


The Thai premier said the decision to ease tensions follows continued coordination between Thai government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, national security bodies, and the military.


She assured the public that there would be no serious clashes and urged people to remain calm and confident in the government’s ability to resolve the issue peacefully.


Meanwhile, Thai Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said in a statement that Cambodia had agreed to pull back its troops to the positions held last year, in line with earlier agreements.


The Cambodian side also agreed to backfill the trenches they had dug near Chong Bok Pass in Ubon Ratchathani.


The Defence Ministry and the Royal Thai Army expressed their appreciation to their Cambodian counterparts, saying the move had improved the situation and reduced tensions and the risk of further confrontation.

Border tensions ease as Cambodia pulls back troops from disputed area