Cambodia, Thailand trade accusations of cross-border attacks

Border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand entered a third day, with both sides accusing the other of launching attacks across the border in Pursat and Trat provinces.

The Royal Thai Armed Forces Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defense Command accused Cambodian forces of launching a new attack in the Ban Chamrak area of Trat province, on Thailand's eastern coast, at 5:10 a.m. today.

The Royal Thai Navy then launched a counter-offensive, dubbed "Trat Pikhat Pairee 1", to "repel Cambodian forces encroaching on three points along the border" at 5:40 a.m. This is the first time the Thai navy has announced its involvement in the conflict.

Thai navy personnel during an inspection on 24/7. Photo: Facebook/Royal Thai Navy

Thai navy personnel during an inspection on 24/7. Photo: Facebook/Royal Thai Navy

Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense on the same day accused Thai forces of attacking Pursat province, which borders Trat. Cambodia said that at 5:02 a.m., Thai artillery fired 5 large-caliber shells into Ekphap village, Thmar Da commune, Veal Veng district.

Phnom Penh called it "an act of unprovoked and deliberate aggression, a serious violation of international law and a blatant challenge to the UN Charter". Veal Veng officials reported some houses were damaged and at least three civilians were injured in the shelling.

Phnom Penh has not confirmed Bangkok's accusation of "encroaching on three border points" or the report of being repelled by the Thai navy. Bangkok has also not commented on the reports of shelling in Pursat. This is the third day of fighting between the two sides in the border area.

Thai navy special warfare unit on 24/7. Photo: Facebook/Royal Thai Navy

Thai navy special warfare unit on 24/7. Photo: Facebook/Royal Thai Navy

Tensions between the two countries escalated from 23/7, with fighting breaking out near the Ta Moan Thom Temple on the morning of 24/7 and later spreading to other areas along the border. Both sides have continuously used heavy artillery fire against each other. Both have accused the other of firing first.

This is the most serious clash between the two neighbors in over 10 years. Thai officials say the conflict has killed 20 people, including 14 civilians and 6 soldiers, and injured dozens more. Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense said 13 people were killed and at least 71 injured.

On 25/7, the Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defense Command imposed martial law in 7 districts in Chanthaburi province and one district in Trat province, and closed all border crossings with Cambodia in these two areas, including both land and sea routes.

No vehicles are allowed to cross the border in either direction. All movement of people, including trade and tourism, is prohibited. Maritime activities in the Thai waters under the management of the Chanthaburi-Trat Command are also suspended.