THE BRIEF clash at Chon An Ma, Ubon Ratchathani province, between Thai and Cambodian troops this afternoon (Sep. 27) was aimed at slandering Thailand as the Interim Observer Team (IOT) was to visit this area later in the day, Naewna newspaper said.
Cambodian troops fired into Thai territory from Hill 677 to Hill 600 and Hill 527 with there being an exchange of small arms fire before the clash ended.
The Thai 2nd Army Region assessed this clash as an attempt by Cambodia to “create conditions” and “provoke” Thai soldiers with this tactic being consistent with the timing of the IOT’s arrival in the area.
Furthermore, the Thai side discovered that Cambodia had set up cameras at the southern operations base of Chong An Ma. This suggests a desire to publicise the incident internationally and portray Thailand as the initiator of the clash, whereas in reality it was an inappropriate tactical action by Cambodia.
“Cambodia has repeatedly used this tactic in the past, and this time, it continues to operate in the same manner,” one of the two 2nd Army Region’s spokespersons said.
The 2nd Army Region has also sent a civil affairs team to the area to coordinate, facilitate and provide assistance to people living along the Thai-Cambodian border. This is to reassure the public that the army will not abandon them and is ready to stand by them in every situation.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page: Chong An Ma during peacetime. Photo – Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation
Insert: Second Army Region spokespersons, Photo – Naewna
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