Cambodia downgrades diplomatic ties with Thailand to “lowest level”

The Cambodian government has announced it is downgrading diplomatic relations with Thailand to the “lowest level” in response to Bangkok’s decision to recall its ambassador to Phnom Penh, according to Cambodian media.

Fresh News reported that diplomatic relations with Thailand will be reduced to the level of second secretary while all Thai diplomatic personnel in Phnom Penh have been asked to leave.

The Khmer Times, meanwhile, said the diplomatic ties will be reduced to the level of “Second Charge d’Affaires.”

It said in response to the Thai government’s order expelling all Cambodian diplomatic staff stationed at the Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok, the Cambodian government has also instructed the Thai diplomatic personnel in Phnom Penh to leave.

Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said Wednesday night that Thailand has decided to downgrade its diplomatic ties with Cambodia by recalling its ambassador to Cambodia in response to a landmine explosion earlier evening in a border area in Ubon Ratchathani, which seriously injured a Thai soldier. He said the Cambodian ambassador to Thailand was also asked to leave.

Commander of the Second Army Region, Lt Gen Boonsin Phadklang, said the injured soldier was among five troops patrolling the Chong An Ma area in Nam Yuen district when he stepped on a landmine, which was believed to have been newly planted.

The explosion caused Sergeant Major Pichit Boonchula to lose his right leg, while the other four soldiers sustained minor injuries.

In response to the incident, Lt Gen Boonsin ordered the closure of four border checkpoints, as well as the Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai temples, starting Thursday.