Fighting erupted on the Thai-Cambodia border on Wednesday, causing casualties on both sides, military officials said, as a row over disputed land near an ancient temple boiled over.
Thailand’s army spokesperson, Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd, said that one Cambodian soldier was killed and four Thai troops were wounded in the gunfire, which rang out sporadically for more than two hours before calming.
”As far as I know four Thai soldiers were wounded. One Cambodian soldier died and many were injured,” said Sunsern. Cambodian officials were not immediately able to confirm the death.
Gunfights broke out at about 7.20am GMT in a number of small patches of disputed land just a few kilometres away from the 11th century Khmer temple, a United Nations World Heritage site that is on Cambodian territory.
”Thai troops entered our territory … It is heavy gunfire,” Brigadier Bun Thean said from the scene, accusing Thailand of firing the first shot.
Thai Foreign Minister Sompong Amornviwat said that he was ready to issue the order for all Thais to be evacuated from Cambodia if need be, but denied that Thailand has started the exchange.
”I can confirm that Thailand is not the one who ignited the clash. We still adhere to the policy given by the prime minister,” he said, referring to Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat’s comments that he was committed to peaceful talks.
”I am convinced that the situation will not blow out of hand.”
An Agence France-Presse photographer on the scene said that ten Thai soldiers stationed in one of the disputed areas surrendered, approaching the Cambodian side with their hands raised as gunfire rang out — a claim denied by Sunsern.
Cambodia and Thailand have been sparring over land near the temple since July, and tensions soared this week after about 80 Thai troops entered a disputed area, enraging Cambodia.
Thai television on Wednesday showed military trucks loaded with tanks heading toward the border and troops setting up mortars, while the Thai air force spokesperson said their fighter jets were on stand-by.
”Normally we have fighter jets on stand-by at various regional headquarters ready for operation within five minutes, but under the current circumstances we have increased our readiness,” Group Captain Montol Suchookorn said.
Speaking before gunfire erupted, he said transport planes were also being prepared in case they were needed to evacuate Thai nationals from Cambodia.
Sunsern, the Thai army spokesperson, earlier confirmed that there had been a reinforcement of troops by both Thailand and Cambodia, but declined to say how many Thai soldiers were being readied.
In Phnom Penh, General Neang Phat, a secretary of state at the Defence Ministry, refused to reveal the number of Cambodian troops stationed near the border.
”We have enough troops to protect our territorial integrity,” he said. — AFP
