UPDATE: Thai police have fired tear gas and rubber bullets at Cambodian protesters in a disputed border area, escalating tensions just weeks after a ceasefire was brokered to end a deadly conflict. At least 23 Cambodians were injured during the clash, which occurred in a settlement both countries claim as their own, highlighting the fragile state of peace in the region.
The incident unfolded on Wednesday in a contested area near Sa Kaeo province, Thailand, where local authorities erected barbed wire fences last month. This border dispute has been a flashpoint for protests, with around 200 Cambodian demonstrators reportedly throwing rocks and using slingshots against Thai officials, prompting a forceful response from Thai police.
Cambodia’s Information Minister Neth Pheaktra condemned the actions of Thai forces, accusing them of encroaching across the border and employing excessive measures against civilians. He stated, “They used tear gas, rubber bullets, and noise-making devices against Cambodian civilians.”
The border conflict escalated dramatically in July, resulting in the deaths of at least 48 people and the displacement of hundreds of thousands. A ceasefire, brokered in Malaysia on July 28, had brought a temporary calm, but recent developments suggest that peace remains tenuous.
Both nations have a long history of territorial disputes, stemming from colonial-era maps drawn in 1907. This latest flare-up raises urgent concerns about the potential for renewed violence and instability in the region.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and further protests are anticipated as tensions continue to simmer. The international community is urged to pay attention to these developments, which underscore the delicate balance of peace on the Thailand-Cambodia border.
As the situation evolves, both governments must navigate these complex territorial claims while ensuring the safety of their citizens. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
