Thai, Cambodian soldiers exchange fire on eastern border

A brief exchange of gunfire erupted on the Thai-Cambodian border this evening with Cambodian media reporting that five Cambodian civilians in Banteay Meanchey province opposite Sa Kaeo province of Thailand were injured.

Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, the Thai army spokesman, said Cambodian forces fired into the Thai territory at Baan Nong Ya Kaew of Sa Kaeo at around 4 pm.

He said soldiers of Burapa task force, which oversees security on the eastern border, returned fired in accordance with the rule of engagement.

He said the gunfire exchange lasted about 10 minutes and there were no reports of casualties on the Thai side.

Nikorndej Balankura, the spokesman of the Thai Foreign Ministry, quoted a report from the Thai army as confirming that it was the Cambodian forces that opened fire first.

“The Thai side acted in self-defence and to protect its sovereignty,” he said and condemned the Cambodian practice of using civilians as human shields.

Meanwhile, Maly Socheata, the spokesperson of Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, said five Cambodian civilians in the border village of Prey Chan in Banteay Meanchey province were injured by gunfire from Thai soldiers.

“This attack followed countless provocative actions over many days by the Thai military, with the intention of instigating a clash,” said Maly Socheata in a press release.

Cambodian media quoted local authorities as reporting that the injured civilians were transferred to the Mongkol Borei Referral Hospital in Banteay Meanchey province for treatment.

The exchange of gunfire occurred a day after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced that Thailand is suspending the peace accord signed with Cambodia after two Thai soldiers were injured by a Cambodian landmine on Monday.