Cambodians set fires near border, smoke affects Thailand

Cambodian troops and civilians have deliberately started forest fires near the Thai border in Ubon Ratchathani province, causing thick smoke to be blown across the border, according to Army Military Force, a privately-run web page dedicated to reporting on military affairs.

The page cited an incident last Saturday when fires were allegedly started by Cambodian troops in Oddar Meanchey province, hoping that smoke would be blown across the border.

The wind suddenly changed direction though, carrying the smoke and flames in a direction which threatens communities and schools on the Cambodian side of the border.

The page also posted a video clip, widely shared by Cambodians, showing a Cambodian villager in Banteay Meanchey province setting fire to a palm tree and smoke is seen blowing across the border into Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province.

The page also reported that the Thai Army had dismissed a Cambodian allegation that one of its soldiers was shot and wounded in the knee by Thai troops on Friday in the Chong An Ma area of Ubon Ratchathani.

The Thai army noted that the wound did not appear to have been caused by a bullet.