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Thailand, Cambodia shut borders, expel diplomats as tensions rise | What we know
This clash comes as ties between Thailand and Cambodia continue to deteriorate.
Thailand and Cambodia have shut down their borders and expelled diplomats in a tit-for-tat move on Thursday. The tensions between the neighbouring countries escalated after a fresh border clash occurred near Prasat Ta Muen Thom.
Prasat Ta Muen Thom is a temple located in Thailand’s northeastern Surin province, but is claimed by Cambodia. Following this escalation, Thailand has also deployed F-16 fighter jets along the border with Cambodia.
Borders shut, diplomats expelled | What's happening between Thailand and Cambodia?
Fresh border clash
- Both Thailand and Cambodia confirmed Wednesday's clash and stated that it took place near the temples at the border. "The Thai military violated the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Cambodia by launching an armed assault on Cambodian forces stationed to defend the nation's sovereign territory," defence ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata said in a statement.
- Meanwhile, the Thai Army claimed the clash broke out after Cambodian forces opened fire towards the eastern side of the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple.
- Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said "the situation requires careful handling, and we must act in accordance with international law".
- We will do our best to protect our sovereignty," he added.
Ambassadors recalled, borders shut
- Thailand announced it will be withdrawing its ambassador from Cambodia in protest after a land mine blast, in which a Thai soldier lost a leg. The Thai government also expelled Cambodia's envoy to Bangkok.
- Cambodia has dismissed Thailand's claims as "baseless allegations" and, in a tit-for-tat move, called on all Thai diplomatic staff to leave the country. The country also recalled its diplomatic staff in Bangkok.
- Thailand also closed its border crossing with Cambodia from the northeastern side on Wednesday, as part of its response to the land mine blast.
Thai citizens urged to leave
- The Thai embassy in Cambodia has called on all Thai nationals in the country to leave as soon as possible. However, the embassy warned that those with "urgent matters" should stay in the country.
F-16 fighter jets deployed
- The Thai army has confirmed that it has deployed an F-16 fighter jet for action against the Cambodian military along the border between the two neighbours.
- "We have used air power against military targets as planned," Thai army deputy spokesperson Richa Suksuwanon told reporters.
9 civilians injured
- At least nine Thai civilians have been injured after Thursday's border clash with the Cambodian military.
- As per the intial statement from the Thai army, three people were injured after the Cambodian military fired artillery shells into a residential area in the Surin province. This alter rose to nine.
Landmine blast escalates tensions
Tensions between Cambodia and Thailand were already on the rise after a border clash in May. The controversial phone call between prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian leader Hun Sen, only added to these tensions and led to the ouster of the 38-year-old prime minister.
Tensions reached a new high after five soldiers were wounded in a landmine explosion last week. A similar incident had taken place earlier this month. As per Thai authorities, Cambodia violated its mutual agreement by laying mines in the safe paths.
Cambodia has rejected these claimed and stated that many unexploded land mines are present along the border due to the civil war and unrest from 1970 to 1988.
With the latest escalation, Thailand has also activated its “Chakrapong Phuwanart” emergency plan, which was last put into operation in 2011 during the conflict over Preah Vihear temple.
