THE Thai army this morning (July 29) lambasted Cambodian troops for violating the ceasefire that was to start at midnight with fighting taking place at one combat zone all night long, Amarin TV said.
Lt. Col. Richa Suksuwanon, deputy army spokesman, said despite Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet agreeing to a ceasefire in Malaysia yesterday fighting took place at Phu Makheau in Sisaket province near Preah Vihear Temple all night long till morning as well as two other locations of this province.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvari, the army spokesman, said the Thai side has strictly complied with the agreement and immediately stopped firing along the border but Cambodian troops attacked Thai positions in several areas with this being a deliberate violation of the agreement.
The Thai army condemned such actions and has to use appropriate countermeasures under the legitimate right of self-defence.
“I confirm that the Thai side did not use military force to invade, but to prevent encroachment and maintain national sovereignty under international rules,” Lt. Gen. Winthai said.
Meanwhile, the meeting of military commanders of both countries originally scheduled for 7 a.m. was postponed to 10 a.m.
The 2nd Army reported that at the Prasat Ta Kwai Temple area, Phanom Dong Rak district, Sisaket province, there were explosions and gunfire from 3.00 a.m. to 5.00 a.m.
In Phu Makhuea area of this same province, near Preah Vihear Temple, there is continuous exchange of gunfire between Thai and Cambodian forces.
At Sam Tae area of this province’s Kantharalak district there was exchange gunfire till 5.30 a.m.
At 8.20 a.m. The Thai army’s webpage said Thai troops had successfully planted the Thai flag at five strategic areas: Phu Makhuea, Chong An Ma, Prasat Ta Muen Thom and Prasat Ta Kwai temples plus Chong Bok.
CAPTION:
A graphic image of a Thai soldier and the national flag by Amarin TV
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