Deadly gunfight at disputed Thailand-Cambodia border prompts calls for peace from leaders as tensions remain high in a region with a troubling history of territorial conflicts.
At a Glance
- A Cambodian soldier was killed during a 10-minute shootout at Hill 496, a sensitive border area between Cambodia and Thailand
- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has called for calm while Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra pledged to ease tensions
- Both countries blame each other for initiating the conflict, with Cambodia claiming Thai forces fired first on their military post
- The dispute centers on incomplete boundary demarcation, with recent tensions also occurring at the Ta Moan Thom shrine
- The conflict follows a history of border disputes between the two nations, including armed clashes in 2008 and 2011
Leaders Work to Defuse Border Tensions
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has called for calm following a deadly border clash with Thailand that left one Cambodian soldier dead. The confrontation occurred at Hill 496, a sensitive border region with a long history of territorial disputes between the two Southeast Asian neighbors. Despite being in Japan during the incident, Hun Manet emphasized he maintains full command authority over military operations and has reached out to his Thai counterpart to prevent further escalation of hostilities in the disputed area.
“[I] have talked to Prime Minister Hun Manet. [The incident] was minor. We have understanding and will ease the tension and will prevent the reoccurrence.”, said the Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra confirmed the conversation with Hun Manet and downplayed the severity of the incident, characterizing it as “minor” while promising to work toward preventing similar confrontations. Thai soldiers remain on high alert in the area, however, suggesting lingering concerns about further potential clashes. The border region remains tense as both countries maintain military presences near the disputed territories.
Conflicting Accounts of the Border Clash
Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence reported that the firefight began when Thai troops opened fire on a Cambodian military post in the disputed area between Preah Vihear and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. Thai authorities present a contradictory account, claiming Cambodian forces fired first and had previously dug a trench to assert territorial claims in the region. The 10-minute exchange of gunfire resulted in one Cambodian soldier killed, while Thailand reported no casualties among its forces.
“For this reason, I hope that the upcoming meeting between the Cambodian and Thai army commanders will produce positive results to preserve stability and good military communication between the two countries, as we have done in the past”, said Hun Manet.
Tensions reportedly increased after Thai soldiers accused Cambodian troops of burning a Thai-built gazebo in the Chong Bok area. Additional disturbances have occurred at the Ta Moan Thom shrine, which both countries claim as their territory. Hun Manet has warned citizens against spreading unverified information about the incident and expressed hope that upcoming meetings between military commanders will restore stability and proper communication channels between the neighboring countries.
A History of Border Conflicts
The current dispute is the latest chapter in a troubled history of territorial conflicts between Cambodia and Thailand. In 2011, deadly clashes erupted over the Preah Vihear temple, with sovereignty eventually granted to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice in 2013. Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, father of the current leader, strongly condemned the recent incident, comparing it to the aggressive incursions between 2008 and 2011 at the Preah Vihear temple.
“I strongly condemn any individual, entity, or authority that made the decision to carry out such an act of aggression, which resembles the incursions that occurred between 2008 and 2011 at the Preah Vihear temple.”, added Sen.
The fundamental issue driving these recurring confrontations is incomplete boundary demarcation along the 800-kilometer border between the two countries. Earlier this year, a brief argument occurred when Cambodian troops entered an ancient temple along the border and sang their national anthem, highlighting the ongoing sensitivity surrounding cultural landmarks in the disputed regions. Cambodia’s Senate president has joined calls for peaceful borders, stating that the frontier “should never witness such incidents.”
