Cambodia asserts control over ‘sovereign territory’ during armed clashes with Thailand
Cambodia Claims ‘Sovereign Territory’ Amid Armed Border Clashes with Thailand
Cambodia and Thailand have downgraded their diplomatic relations to the lowest level in decades following escalating tensions that began on May 28, when troops exchanged fire at the border, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier.
According to the Khmer Times, Cambodian armed forces claim to have seized the “sovereign territory” of Ta Krabey Temple and the Mumbei area in an ongoing military confrontation with Thailand. Defence Ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata announced that Cambodia also retains control over the Ta Moan Thom Temple — the flashpoint of the conflict — and has not retreated “even a single step.”
Meanwhile, Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai condemned Cambodia’s actions as “unprovoked aggression,” stating that indiscriminate shelling into Thai territory killed 10 civilians and one soldier, and injured 28 others. He pledged to defend Thai sovereignty and reported that Cambodian forces attacked across four provinces: Ubon Ratchathani, Buriram, Sisaket, and Surin.
The latest clash followed a landmine incident that injured a Thai soldier. Both sides have given conflicting accounts of who initiated the attacks. Cambodia has requested “urgent” intervention from the UN Security Council as tensions continue to rise.
