Cambodian police announced today that they arrested a man in Srei Snam district, Siem Reap province. He faces accusations of collaborating with the Thai military to guide F-16 fighter jets in bombing a bridge connecting Srei Snam with Chong Kal district, Oddar Meanchey province.
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Cambodian soldiers arrested the man today. Photo: Khmer Times |
Cambodian soldiers arrested the man today. Photo: Khmer Times
The suspect confessed to receiving 2,500 USD upfront from Thailand, with a promise of an additional 20,000 USD for his acts of treason. He was also offered an extra 5,000 USD for providing information on the location of a Cambodian BM-21 artillery system.
The man’s identity has not been released. Thai officials have not yet commented on this information.
Cambodian authorities apprehend a man suspected of directing the Thai military. Video: Fresh News Asia.
According to Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense, Thai F-16 fighter jets penetrated deep into Cambodian territory, bombing Chong Kal and Srey Snam after 10:00 h this morning. The targets are more than 70 km from the border between the two nations.
Cambodian Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra stated that this marks the first time the Thai military has conducted airstrikes in areas within Siem Reap province, home to the centuries-old Angkor temple complex and the UNESCO-recognized Angkor Wat heritage site.
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Location of Srei Snam district, Siem Reap province, Cambodia. Graphic: Nikkei |
Location of Srei Snam district, Siem Reap province, Cambodia. Graphic: Nikkei
Tensions escalated into clashes on 7/12, when Cambodian and Thai soldiers exchanged gunfire along the disputed border. In the following days, both sides deployed heavy weapons, including F-16 fighter jets and multiple launch rocket systems, to strike targets along the contested border. These attacks resulted in the deaths of several soldiers and civilians. The fighting has now entered its 9th day, showing no signs of de-escalation.
Nikorndej Balankura, spokesperson for Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, today outlined three conditions for ending the conflict: Cambodia must declare a ceasefire first; the ceasefire must be genuine and sustainable; and Cambodia must cooperate seriously and sincerely in border mine clearance.
Cambodia has not yet commented on this information.
By Nhu Tam (According to Khmer Times, Fresh News Asia, Nation Thailand)
