Clash at the Thai-Cambodian Border: Forces Use Rubber Bullets and Tear Gas

In a significant escalation of tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, Thai military forces employed rubber bullets and tear gas against Cambodian villagers during a confrontation at a disputed border area. This incident marks the most intense violence between the two nations since a ceasefire was established in late July, which had put an end to earlier hostilities that resulted in the deaths of at least 48 individuals and displaced hundreds of thousands.

Background of the Conflict

The current dispute revolves around a contested border settlement that both nations claim as their own. Thailand asserts that the area in question is part of Ban Nong Ya Kaew village in Sa Kaeo province, while Cambodia claims it as part of Prey Chan village in Banteay Meanchey province. This border disagreement is part of a long history of territorial disputes between the two Southeast Asian neighbors, with many sections along their 817 km (508 miles) land border remaining undemarcated.

Recent Violence

On Wednesday afternoon, violence erupted when approximately 200 Cambodian protesters gathered to oppose the installation of barricades and concertina wire by Thai forces, which were intended to enhance security along the Thai-Cambodian border. The Thai military responded swiftly, claiming that the demonstrators were armed with wooden sticks, stones, and slingshots.

According to military spokesperson Winthai Suvari, the Thai forces deployed crowd control measures that included the use of rubber bullets and tear gas to manage the situation and prevent it from escalating into a full-scale riot. “Ultimately, crowd control police were deployed to de-escalate the situation in compliance with international norms,” Suvari stated.

Casualties and Responses

The confrontation resulted in injuries to at least 29 individuals, including local villagers and Buddhist monks, according to reports from Cambodian authorities. Additionally, the Thai military acknowledged that several of its personnel were also injured during the clashes. The Cambodian government condemned the actions of the Thai military, asserting that they had violated Cambodian sovereignty and international law.

In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet accused Thai forces of exacerbating the conflict by erecting barriers and issuing ultimatums, as well as forcibly evicting Cambodian civilians from their long-settled land. The Cambodian foreign ministry further accused Thai soldiers of entering Cambodian territory and attacking residents who were peacefully defending their homes.

Call for International Intervention

In light of the violence and the injuries sustained by civilians, Cambodia’s human rights committee has called on the international community to intervene and urge Thailand to adhere to regional and international legal standards. The Cambodian Ministry of Defence also released a statement urging Thailand to avoid actions that could escalate tensions or complicate disputes further.

The situation remains delicate, with both governments under pressure to resolve their differences peacefully. The Cambodian Ministry of Defence emphasized that the Thai military’s provocations not only jeopardize the fragile ceasefire but also undermine efforts to settle disputes through dialogue and negotiation.

Conclusion

The recent clash at the Thai-Cambodian border underscores the ongoing tensions between the two countries and highlights the fragility of the ceasefire established just months earlier. As both nations grapple with their historical disputes, the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Key Facts

– Thai forces used rubber bullets and tear gas against Cambodian villagers during a border clash.
– At least 29 civilians were injured, including local villagers and Buddhist monks.
– The incident occurred at a disputed settlement claimed by both Thailand and Cambodia.
– The confrontation is the most significant violence since a ceasefire was established in late July.
– Cambodian authorities have condemned the actions of the Thai military and called for international intervention.

Source: www.aljazeera.com