Thai and Cambodian troops change hearth at disputed border

[ad_1] Troops from Thailand and Cambodia have clashed at a disputed portion of their border early on Thursday, with each side accusing one another of firing the primary shot.

The Thai army stated Cambodian troopers opened hearth close to the Khmer temple Ta Muen Thom, the place tensions have run excessive in latest weeks.

Cambodia's defence ministry nonetheless stated its troopers had been responding in self-defence after Thai troops fired the primary pictures.

Cambodia had despatched a surveillance drone into the world earlier than deploying closely armed troops, the Thai army stated, including that at the least two Thai troopers had been injured.

A spokeswoman for the Cambodian defence ministry, Maly Socheata, stated their troops "exercised their proper to defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity in opposition to the aggression of the Thai troops.

Socheata stated Thailand "violated the territorial integrity of Cambodia".

Elements of two Cambodian provinces had been shelled by the Thai army, former chief Hun Sen stated on Fb, whereas additionally urging individuals to not panic.

"Cambodia has at all times maintained a place of desirous to resolve points peacefully, however on this case we have now no alternative however to reply with armed power in opposition to armed aggression," Prime Minister Hun Manet stated on Fb.

Thailand's appearing premier Phumtham Wechayachai stated that its dispute with Cambodia stays "delicate" and should be addressed with care, and in keeping with worldwide legislation.

Thursday's conflict comes a day after Thailand recalled its ambassador to Cambodia, following a landmine explosion that injured a Thai soldier alongside the border.

On Wednesday, Bangkok additionally stated it will expel Cambodia's ambassador.

Bilateral relations between the 2 international locations are at their worst in additional than a decade, after armed clashes in Could left one Cambodian soldier useless.