Thailand’s military accused Cambodian forces of deploying heavy weaponry, including rocket launchers, and initiating the attack, which resulted in injuries to two Thai soldiers. Cambodia, however, countered these claims, asserting that Thai troops launched the initial assault and that Cambodia only acted in self-defense, as permitted by law.
According to the Thai military, Cambodian forces deployed reconnaissance drones and heavy weapon units near Ta Muen Thom Temple and opened fire first. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, conversely, stated that Thai troops initiated an attack early this morning on Cambodian strongholds in Oddar Meanchey Province, subsequently expanding the conflict to the Emerald Triangle region.
Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized Cambodia’s consistent stance on peaceful dispute resolution but maintained that Cambodian forces were compelled to act in self-defense due to the Thai military’s aggression. He affirmed that the Cambodian military is actively defending national sovereignty while assisting affected civilians. A spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense also confirmed that Cambodian forces exercised their right to self-defense only after Thai troops opened fire.
The conflict follows a period of escalating tensions between the two nations. Thailand’s acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, recently ordered a downgrade of diplomatic relations with Cambodia, recalling Thailand’s ambassador to Cambodia and expelling Cambodia’s ambassador to Thailand.
Thailand’s ruling party claimed this decision stemmed from a Thai soldier being injured by a newly laid Cambodian landmine on the border. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has since lodged a formal protest with Cambodia regarding the incident.
