Cambodia escalates border conflict with troop buildup, says Thai army spokesman

Cambodian troops provoked the exchange of gunfire at Chong Bok pass in Ubon Ratchathani on May 28, by firing at Thai troops while they were investigating a reported incursion into Thai territory, Thai Army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree said yesterday.

Winthai insisted that Thai troops returned fire in self-defence, adding that the Thai military have always negotiated with their Cambodian counterparts whenever there was a conflict.

He noted, however, that the Cambodian military has not been very cooperative lately in resolving the conflict through negotiations.

The Thai army, specifically the Second Region army, have been monitoring news reports from the Cambodian military, from the operational to the command levels, and have found a lack of clarity in their way of resolving the conflict.

Instead, he said, the Cambodian military has been building up its troop presence in parallel with the diplomatic offensive, which is a cause of concern for the Thai military and has prompted the Thai army commander-in-chief, Gen Pana Klaewplodthuk, to order all army units to full alert to counter any border incursions after all peaceful means have failed.

“The army would like to state that its troops at the border have performed their duties with caution and with awareness of the situation, to prevent loss of life on either side, while being ready to protect national sovereignty if necessary,” said Wanchai.