On 17/9, the Thai army stated that while their soldiers were laying barbed wire at the Sa Kaeo border area, approximately 200 Cambodian protesters gathered to demonstrate.

The Thai army's statement said that the Cambodian protesters threw rocks and objects at the soldiers, leading to the clash. "We were forced to use tear gas and rubber bullets to control the situation and force the crowd to withdraw," the Thai army said.

The Thai side accused the Cambodian group of "encroaching on Thai territory and the Cambodian government not preventing its citizens from doing so". Bangkok called this a "provocative act, violating the ceasefire".

This clash marks the first time Thai forces have used rubber bullets and tear gas at the Cambodian border since the two sides reached a ceasefire in July.

Cambodian Information Minister Neth Pheaktra reported on the same day that local authorities reported approximately 23 people injured in the confrontation with the Thai army, including one soldier and one monk. Pheaktra asserted that the incident occurred within Cambodian territory, in Banteay Meanchey province.

"This is a violation of the ceasefire by Thailand," Pheaktra said.

Cambodia and Thailand agreed to a ceasefire in July after five days of fighting that left at least 43 people dead on both sides. However, both sides have since repeatedly accused each other of violating the agreement.

Thai soldiers confront Cambodian protesters at the border on 17/9. Photo: AFP

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP)