Heads-up, folks: tensions flared this morning on the Thai-Cambodian border near Preah Vihear after clashes left one Thai soldier killed and four others wounded.
Thai Army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree said the first incident happened around 5:05 a.m. in the Chong An Ma area, when Cambodian troops opened fire with small arms and indirect weapons. The Thai side responded under its rules of engagement.
Then at 7:00 a.m., Thai soldiers in Chong Bok, Nam Yuen District, faced another attack "with supporting fire weapons," leading to the casualties. To counter what it called a "direct threat to national security," the Royal Thai Air Force deployed fighter jets to target Cambodian military infrastructure. ✈️
On the flip side, Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said Thai forces opened fire around 5:04 a.m. in the An Ses area of Preah Vihear province, even using tanks near Tamoan Thom temple and Chomka Chek. Cambodia, she added, held fire and urged peaceful conflict resolution per international law.
Cambodia has alerted the ASEAN Observer Team and plans to request an investigation. Both sides are now monitoring the situation closely as the region awaits updates. Stay tuned! 🔍
Reference(s):
Thailand deploys fighter jets as Cambodia claims soldiers open fire
cgtn.com
