THE Thai army firmly denied Cambodia’s claim that Thai troops opened fire at Khmer soldiers who did not return fire at the border in Sisaket province this afternoon (Dec. 7) pointing out that a clash erupted after Khmer troops crossed over to the Thai side while road improvement work was underway, Naewna newspaper said.
Lt. Gen. Mali Socheata, spokesperson for the Cambodian Defence Ministry, said that at 2.15 p.m., Thai troops opened fire first in the Phlan Thom area of Chom Khsarn district, Preah Vihear province, with the Thai side using small arms, machine guns, B-40 munitions and 60mm mortars while Cambodia did not return fire.
However Thai army spokesman Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvari firmly denied Lt. Gen. Mali’s claim which was untrue and unsubstantiated.
In fact it was Cambodian troops who entered Phu Pha Lek-Phlan Hin Paet Kon areas of Kantharalak district, Sisaket province, while the Thai side was working on improving roads within its territory. They then fired at the security team of the road improvement unit with the Thai side then responding, culminating in a clash that injured two soldiers.
Maj. Gen. Winthai said oftentimes Cambodia attacks the Thai side first with Thailand having clear evidence to support its stance, including the time, location and impact on Thai personnel.
A little later Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, government spokesperson, said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was aware of the clash and was closely monitoring the situation with the government having requested that residents of border districts at four provinces – Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani – evacuate to shelters according to the evacuation plan for their safety.
Local units are continuing to closely monitor the situation, as the current situation remains uncertain and the conflict could escalate.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Gen. Nattapol Nakphanit said that he was disappointed with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister/Defence Minister Gen. Tea Seiha accepting reports without verifying the facts with this having happened repeatedly and Thailand having to constantly point out that their statements were untrue,
While Cambodia claims it is upholding commitments made in the declaration signed in Malaysia, in reality, Cambodian soldiers at the frontline have consistently provoked the Thai side. Thailand has erected a barbed wire fence to prevent landmines from being laid in its territory, but Cambodian soldiers have stolen the barbed wire, something they are constantly doing.
When asked if this incident was related to the 22nd Meeting of the States Parties of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention in Geneva, Gen. Nattapol said if this is the case the aim is to create confusion and show a picture of the Thai side bullying Cambodia to reduce Thailand’s influence at the meeting.
However, there is evidence of today’s clash with two Thai soldiers being shot, so how could Cambodia not accept it, he asked.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page – Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvari, left, and Lt. Gen. Mali Socheata, right. Photo – Naewna
First insert – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Photo – PPTVHD36
Second nsert – Defence Minister Gen. Nattapol Nakphanit. Photo – Thai Rath
A video of Phu Makheua hill which Thai troops captured last July on Sep. 8 and shared on Facebook by Army Military Force:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/2504557969927539
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