Bangkok: The Thai and Cambodian armies have exchanged accusations following an armed clash that took place on Saturday along the disputed border between the two nations, as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Interim Observer Team (IOT) commenced a field investigation at the location.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Thai military spokesman Major General Winthai Suvaree stated that Cambodia instigated the confrontation in the Chong Puk border area. He claimed that the events were premeditated to portray Thailand as violating the ceasefire agreement.
Suvaree detailed that Cambodian forces fired into Thai territory before quickly announcing the arrival of the IOT and issuing public statements against Thailand. He insisted that this coordination aims to mislead regional observers and the international community. Suvaree also mentioned that Thai forces only responded after being directly attacked and accused Cambodian forces of planting anti-personnel mines, which he said violates international humanitarian law.
In response, Cambodian Defense Ministry spokeswoman Lieutenant General Maly Socheata expressed "grave concern" over what she termed as Thai provocations. She asserted that it was Thai forces that initiated the attack. Socheata urged the IOT to conduct a forensic and impartial investigation to provide accurate facts that do justice to both sides, and highlighted the need for a permanent ASEAN observer team to ensure transparency.
The IOT has visited the sites of the recent clashes but has not yet released an official statement. A report is expected after the completion of its monitoring and verification activities.
This incident follows a previous conflict in July that resulted in over 35 deaths, numerous injuries, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians. This led to an immediate ceasefire agreement on July 28, brokered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and attended by representatives from the US and China.