Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Border Shooting; Bangkok Claims Warning Flares Used
Translated from Vietnamese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Cambodia accused Thai forces of firing shots across the border, claiming nine rounds were fired from M79 grenade launchers and M16 rifles.
- Thailand's Royal Army spokesperson denied the accusations, stating that three warning flares were detonated to alert foreign military attachรฉs observing the area.
- Thailand alleges Cambodian personnel approached a sensitive area near a security fence despite warnings, while Cambodia describes the incident as "deeply regrettable."
The border incident between Cambodia and Thailand, involving accusations of gunfire and counterclaims of warning flares, highlights the persistent tensions and security concerns along their shared frontier. From the perspective of the Royal Thai Army and Ministry of Defense, the situation was a controlled response to a perceived provocation, aimed at ensuring safety and de-escalating potential conflict.
Thai soldiers did not use weapons or lethal force.
According to Thai officials, the event unfolded on April 29th when a Cambodian delegation, including military attachรฉs and observers, approached an area near a fence erected by Thailand to demarcate a safe boundary. Despite prior warnings, members of the delegation allegedly continued to advance into a sensitive zone and engaged in "provocative" behavior. In response, Thai soldiers detonated three warning flares, a standard low-level control measure, rather than employing lethal force, as claimed by Cambodia.
The detonation of explosive flares was a low-level control measure, intended to prevent collisions and ensure the safety of all parties.
Thailand firmly denies Cambodia's assertion that its forces fired nine shots from M79 grenade launchers and M16 rifles. Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree emphasized that no weapons or lethal force were used. The Thai military also noted that the incident occurred near a building suspected of involvement in illegal activities, close to the security fence, and that Cambodian personnel continued to approach and photograph the area despite warnings.
Cambodian personnel continued to approach and photograph the area despite warnings.
This incident is viewed by Thailand not in isolation but as part of a pattern of alleged Cambodian provocations along the border, including approaching fences at night and engaging in actions to exert pressure. However, the Thai military asserts its commitment to discipline, restraint, and adherence to rules to prevent escalation. The Ministry of Defense urges the public and media to rely on official sources, warning against "information warfare" that could lead to misunderstandings and impact national security. Thailand reaffirms its right to self-defense under international principles to protect its sovereignty and public safety, while maintaining that the situation remains under control.
Cambodia describes the incident as 'deeply regrettable'.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Tuแปi Trแบป in Vietnamese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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