Thailand-Cambodia Border Clash: Tensions Rise Again

Tensions erupted once again on the Thailand-Cambodia border on Wednesday as clashes broke out between Thai soldiers and Cambodian civilians. Both sides accused each other of entering disputed areas, reviving a long-standing border conflict.

According to reports, more than 20 Cambodian people were injured during the incident. Cambodia’s Information Minister, Neth Pheaktra, said Thai soldiers used tear gas, rubber bullets, and loud noise devices to scare the crowd.

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Thailand’s military stated that around 200 Cambodian civilians gathered near the border in Sa Kaeo province to protest the installation of barbed wire. The Thai authorities called the protest a violation of the ceasefire, saying, “Cambodians entered Thai soil without permission, and Cambodian officials did not stop them. This was a provocation.”

A video of the clashes circulated online, showing chaotic scenes. Thai soldiers can be seen firing tear gas, while some Cambodian civilians reportedly threw the canisters back. The video highlights the tense situation and the scale of the confrontation.

This is the first major incident since a ceasefire was agreed in August this year. Earlier, in July, clashes broke out in at least six border areas after a Cambodian soldier was killed in May. These events show how fragile peace remains along the border.

Thailand and Cambodia share over 800 kilometers of land border, and disputes over certain areas have existed for decades. The disagreement goes back to a map drawn in 1907 under French colonial rule, which Cambodia uses to claim certain areas, while Thailand disputes it.

One of the most sensitive spots is the 1,000-year-old Preah Vihear temple. In 1962, the International Court of Justice gave the temple to Cambodia, but tensions have continued over surrounding areas. Several clashes in the past led to about 20 deaths and displaced thousands. Cambodia returned to the court in 2011, and in 2013, the court reaffirmed its claim.

The recent border clash is a reminder that the issues between Thailand and Cambodia are still unresolved. Both sides hold firm to their claims, keeping tensions high and raising concerns about more clashes in the future.