Cambodian defense ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata said that Thailand had "invaded Cambodian territory with heavy weaponry and a large number of soldiers for five days".

"Despite the upcoming special meeting between the prime ministers in Malaysia to end the conflict, at 3:10 a.m., Thailand continued to attack Cambodian forces at Ta Moan Thom and Ta Krabey temples. The fighting lasted until 5 a.m.", Socheata said.

Cambodian BM-21 multiple rocket launchers in Oddar Meanchey province on 27/7. Photo: AFP

Cambodian BM-21 multiple rocket launchers in Oddar Meanchey province on 27/7. Photo: AFP

Socheata stated that Thai forces launched heavy attacks on Chub Koki, Thmor Don, Veal Intry, Samaki, Ta Thav, and An Ses, aiming to "occupy Wat Kaew Seekha Kiri Svarak pagoda and escalate clashes in the Chub Koki and Thmor Don areas".

She also accused Thai fighter jets of conducting airstrikes on the An Ses and Phnom Kmoach areas yesterday and denied Bangkok's claim that Phnom Penh had fired long-range rockets from PHL-03 multiple rocket launchers into Thai territory.

Meanwhile, the Thai military released photos on July 28 showing its soldiers dismantling a temporary cable car system built by Cambodia on Phu Makua hill in the disputed area.

Thai forces also cut cables and destroyed the stairs leading to the top of the hill to prevent Cambodian soldiers stationed nearby from counterattacking. The Thai military claimed to have pushed Cambodian forces from Phu Makua on July 26, after a day of fighting.

Cambodian troops took control of Phu Makua following a conflict in 2/2011. The hill is considered a strategic vantage point, offering a clear view of the surrounding area, including Preah Vihear temple.

Thai soldiers dismantle the steel staircase leading up to Phu Makua hill. Photo: Thai Military

Thai soldiers dismantle the steel staircase leading up to Phu Makua hill. Photo: Thai Military

Speaking at an airport in Bangkok before departing for peace talks in Malaysia, acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai suggested that Cambodia had not shown good faith in its actions.

"They need to show goodwill, and we will assess this during the meeting", he said.

On the evening of July 27, the Thai military reported that Cambodian snipers remained positioned at one of the disputed temples. They also accused Phnom Penh of sending more troops to the border and firing rockets into Thai territory.

According to the Thai military, clashes were ongoing in seven areas along the border, characterized by mountainous terrain interspersed with forests and farmland.

"The situation remains very tense. It is possible that Cambodia is preparing for a large-scale operation before entering negotiations", the Thai military said.

Tensions between the two countries escalated on July 23 when Thailand accused Cambodia of planting landmines in the disputed border area, injuring a Thai soldier.

Fighting broke out near Ta Moan Thom temple on the morning of July 24 and subsequently spread to other areas along the border. Thailand reported 8 soldiers and 14 civilians killed, while Cambodia reported 5 soldiers and 8 civilians killed, according to Phnom Penh.

Locations of disputed temples between Cambodia and Thailand. Graphic: CNA

Locations of disputed temples between Cambodia and Thailand. Graphic: CNA

However, Thailand announced that it had returned the bodies of 12 Cambodian soldiers on the afternoon of July 27.

Following an initiative by former US President Donald Trump, acting Thai Prime Minister Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet were scheduled to hold talks at 3 p.m. (2 p.m. Hanoi time) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. China was also expected to send a delegation to the meeting.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said US officials were present in Malaysia to support the peace talks. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he would focus on efforts to achieve an "immediate ceasefire".

Pham Giang (Khmer Times, AFP)