Armed clashes break out between Cambodia and Thailand

Cambodian armed forces have launched a counteroffensive against Thai troops following an incident of armed conflict at the border between the two countries this morning, reports Khmer Times, citing a statement from the spokesperson of Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense, Lieut. Gen. Mali Socheat.

According to him, the Cambodian army is acting within the framework of strict self-defense in response to an unprovoked incursion by Thai forces, which “violated Cambodia’s territorial integrity.”

“There have been armed clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand border in Oddar Meanchey province,” said the spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense.

Relations between Cambodia and Thailand continue to deteriorate after shooting incidents on May 28, during which Thai soldiers opened fire on a Cambodian military outpost in Phong district’s Techo Morokot village. This village is located in Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province and a disputed area with Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province. One Cambodian soldier was killed, and several others were injured.

On June 2, Cambodia announced its intention to seek a legal resolution at the International Court over four border areas—namely around Moambai, Ta Muen Thom, Ta Moan Toch, and Ta Krabey temples—that both countries inherited from French colonial rule in Indochina. Thailand did not agree with Cambodia’s decision and unilaterally closed all border crossings on its side of the common border, prompting Phnom Penh to take similar action.